In the old channel, which is a short cut into the Harbor across the bar or sand bank (meantime much used by vessels not drawing more than 18 feet), there is, at present, 15½ feet at low water spring tides, being 1½ foot more than there was in May last.

The mean high water level at the Heads is 4 feet 9 inches, which will give as high water in ordinary tides, in the north or main channel, 26 feet 9 inches (sufficient water for vessels drawing 22 feet to enter any day of the year, except when a S. E. sea tumbles in on the coast, which very rarely occurs); and in the old channel at high water, 20 feet 3 inches.

I may here repeat what I have stated in former reports, that for many years in the old channel referred to there was not less than 18 feet at low water, then used by all vessels visiting this port from 2100 tons register downwards, some of them drawing 21 feet, until the great tidal wave of August, 1868, when it suddenly shallowed to 12 feet at low water, thereby necessitating the use of the north or main channel for large vessels; and which, by the same disturbing element, was, on the other hand, very much improved, owing to the outer end of the bar or sand-bank being completely washed away. Since then, a returning process to its original form has been slowly, but surely, going on.

In the channel across the inner bar there is at present not less than 18 feet at low water spring tides, being two feet deeper than May last. The usual process of change is going on here. A ridge forms nearly across the channel, shallowing to 15 feet, then breaking through on each side, leaving a knoll in the centre. Such is the present state of that part of the channel—a small knoll with 14½ feet over, and 18 feet all round it, at low water. Then adding the mean high water level will give in this channel 22 feet 9 inches; or, if more water is required, if the vessel answers her helm quickly, by steering into the bight above Harrington Point, 30 feet of water would be obtained right through, but rather a sharp turn for a long vessel; at the same time, by a little maneuvering, quite practicable with steam power. Such channel, however, is never used, as there is always plenty of water to make a straight course over the more shallow parts of the inner bar, which is but a very narrow ridge indeed.

And now, in conclusion, perhaps the capabilities of the Port of Otago could not be better shewn than simply to state, in a few words, that the ship Achilles, of 1520 tons register, drawing 21½ feet of water, was on the 3rd of July last safely piloted into this harbor, and anchored at Port Chalmers in the dark. Also, that only three wrecks have occurred at the entrance since the formation of the settlement. The first, the barque Revival, was run on shore during the night, when the pilot was absent from the Heads: cause, the master incapable, and the crew in a half state of mutiny. The second, the barque Genevieve, run on shore during the night, when the pilots were all engaged: cause, foolhardiness on the part of the master (who was a stranger to the port) entering without a pilot. The third, the schooner Tamar, missed stays beating in during a S.W. gale, and in wearing ran on shore on Taiaroa Head. The pilot could not board this vessel through stress of weather, and the master disobeyed the signal made “to anchor outside until the weather would moderate.” So that all three wrecks, with ordinary management, might have been avoided, therefore cannot possibly be received as evidence that the entrance to this harbor is dangerous. On the contrary, I think I am correct when I state that a larger amount of shipping has visited Otago Harbor, and fewer casualties have happened therein, than in any of the other principal ports of New Zealand.—I am, &c.,

WILLIAM THOMSON, Harbor Master.

His Honor the Superintendent of Otago.

HIGHCLIFF LOCAL ROAD BOARD.—Ratepayers are requested to pay the amount of their respective rates to Mr. David Auld, Collector, at his house, on or before the 21st day of October, 1870.—THOMAS GRAINGER, Chairman. Highcliff, 19th September, 1870.

GREEN ISLAND ROAD DISTRICT.—Ratepayers are requested to pay the amount of their respective rates to me at my house, on or before the thirty-first day of October, 1870.—JAMES DONALD, Collector. Green Island, October 1, 1870.

GOODWOOD ROAD DISTRICT.—Notice is hereby given, that the above-named Road Board intend to apply to the General Road Board for authority to levy a Highway Rate in November, 1870, of Sixpence (6d) per acre. The Assessment Roll is now ready, and can be inspected for fourteen days from date at my house.—JOHN KEEN, Clerk and Collector. Palmerston, 7th October, 1870.

BLUE MOUNTAIN ROAD DISTRICT.—Notice is hereby given that the above-named Road Board intend to apply to the General Road Board for authority to levy a Highway Rate in November, 1870, of Sixpence in the £ on all lands and houses in the district. The Assessment Roll is now ready, and can be inspected for fourteen days from date at my house.—JOHN KEEN, Clerk and Collector. Palmerston, 7th October, 1870.

HARLINGTON LOCAL ROAD BOARD.—Notice is hereby given that the Local Board of the above District intend to apply to the General Road Board at its next meeting for authority to levy a General Rate of Ninepence per acre on all rateable property in the district. Also, that the Assessment Roll may be inspected at my house for fourteen days from this date.—JOSEPH MORRIS, Clerk to Local Board. Harlington, 5th October, 1870.

NOTICE.—The Local Board of Mosgiel hereby notify their intention to apply to the General Road Board, at its next meeting, for leave to levy a Highway Rate of One Shilling in the Pound within the said district on all lands, buildings, &c. Also, the Assessment Roll for the above district can be inspected fourteen days from date of this notice, at the house of the undersigned, Sundays and public holidays excepted.—JOHN ANDREW, Clerk to the Board. Grange, Mosgiel, 7th October, 1870.

WANGALOA ROAD BOARD.—Notice is hereby given, that application will be made to the General Road Board, at its next sitting, for authority to levy a Highway Rate of Three (3) Pence per acre on all lands liable to be rated in the district. The revised Assessment Roll lies at the School-house for inspection, where it may be seen for fourteen days from this date—Sundays excepted.—ROBERT NEILL, Clerk to Wangaloa Road Board. Wangaloa, October 7, 1870.

ANDERSON’S BAY ROAD BOARD.—Notice is hereby given, that application is to be made to the General Road Board, at its next monthly meeting, to levy a Highway Rate of Fourpence in the Pound on an assessment of the annual value of all lands, houses, mills, buildings, and hereditaments within such district. Also, the Assessment Roll may be inspected by ratepayers at my house, Silverton, Anderson’s Bay, for fourteen days from this date.—JAMES SAMUEL, Clerk and Collector. October 12, 1870.