the port increases, independent of the state of the channel. A tug of eighty or a hundred horse-power would certainly master better than one of less power, as it could tow two or three vessels at one time; but I do not there see so much reason—seeing having a powerful tug (looking at the present commerce of the port) as having a handy tug to tow vessels into and out of the harbour in calm weather, which, with few exceptions, is the only time there is really any danger in coming into or going out of New River.

The Pilot Service (viz., at Pilot Station, senior Pilot and three assistant Pilots, nine Boatmen, and three boys; at Upper Harbour, two assistant Pilots and Assistant Harbour-Master, who acts as Pilot in case of need, four boatmen and two boats), as it is, should be sufficient for the present trade in shipping, but any important increase in this would necessitate an increase in the number of Pilots; probably not over three additional Pilots and two Boatmen.

The idea of having a Pilot Cutter cruising in the Straits, is, I think, preposterous. It would be found to be a very expensive and a not very efficient piece of machinery in so far as regards New River.

It will be necessary to appoint two Signalmen, one at Sandy Point, and at Upper Semaphore.

I have the honour to be, Sir,
Your obedient servant,

J. B. GREIG,
Harbour-Master.

To His Honor the Superintendent.

Sir—The Campbelltown Road Contracts, by your desire remained under your personal inspection. I beg now to report progress upon them.

The works executed and in progress consist—

1st. Of a number of outfall and subsidiary drains which were cut last year under sundry contracts, numbered in the margin, having for their object the drainage of the great swamp through which the Bluff and Invercargill Railway, as well as the high road, subsequently to run between New Town Corporation House and Mokomoko Flat, was absolutely necessary to effect these drains before even the survey could be properly executed. They have answered the purpose well, and the Railway Contract, now in course of execution, includes the making of this portion of road, and of all further drains and culverts required.

2ndly. The Contract (No. 186) of Messrs. Greville, Whiting and Co. for constructing the road over the Mokomoko Hills.

This Contract involved a great deal of heavy work, all the more onerous from its having been the first of the kind ever undertaken in the Province. A great portion of the road is carried over peat moss, and part was in deep rock cutting. On the whole, the work has been satisfactorily performed—very much so, considering its cost. A balance of £150, claimed for sundry extras in cutting additional outfall drains, making temporary road for Campbelltown traffic, &c., &c., remains still unpaid, in consequence of the omission of the contractor to put proper side drains. It should be understood that this contract only included rough bottom metal. When the road is opened throughout, it will be necessary to re-metal this contract with a light coat of fine metal.

3rdly. Contract (No. 203) set to Messrs. Campbell and Co., extending from Mr Harries’s Cove to Archie’s Bay.

The contractors pushed the work on this contract with great vigour at first, but when the wet weather of winter set in it became obvious that any attempt to proceed with the work would permanently injure it. I therefore, readily assented to its postponement until spring. I have had a good deal of correspondence with Messrs. Campbell, Robertson, and Co., and have lately visited the works, and find decidedly to make some defects in parts of the work performed. It will make an excellent road when finished, though some portions of the work performed are not in a very satisfactory condition.

4thly. Contract (No. 273) recently set, continuing the road from the end of Contract (No. 203). This sets the present temporary road from Campbelltown across the beach.

This work is in active progress, and will probably be completed as soon as the last-named contract, say three months. There will be then a continuous metalled road from the head of the Bluff Bay to within a little more than a quarter of a mile from Campbelltown; this latter part being quite possible for wheeled vehicles.