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line, between Ryal Bush and Winton (7¼ miles), are so far advanced that little beyond ballasting and laying of permanent way is necessary. This, when expedient, can be completed in a very few weeks.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient servant,

J. F. DUNDAS,

Consulting Engineer.

His Honor the Superintendent,

Southland.

REPORT ON THE HARBOUR OF NEW RIVER.

Harbour Office,

Invercargill, 10th October, 1864.

Sir,—Since my first report on this Harbour, dated the 23rd September, 1863, the entrance to it has gradually been getting worse, caused by the unstable and shifting nature of the sand-banks situated there. From time to time I have acquainted your Honor of the changes going on, and the present appearance of these sands does not show any extensive difference from that set forth in the plan which accompanied my report dated the 21st July last. The alterations, however, may be of some importance, and are as follows:—

An opening of about a quarter of a mile wide, with ten feet over it at low water, has been made by the ebb tide, through the curve of sand which formed a bar to the Blind Channel. Beacons have been erected on shore, to lead through this passage, and buoys laid down to mark its sides; but this I have not recommended to be made public as these marks are only intended for the guidance of the pilots. The scooping out of this channel was the natural effect of the ebb in the absence of swell during fine weather and easterly winds; but as the bar was originally formed by the action of the sea during westerly gales, the channel in question is liable to be filled up again from the same cause. Besides the change in the sand just related, the middle spit abreast of the wreck of the Guiding Star, has advanced towards the shore about a hundred feet farther, and is now within sixty feet of the stern of this wreck; but as there is a narrow passage inside of it, I have caused the same to be sufficiently buoyed and marked, so that sailing through it with the Dunedin steamers, or small craft, at high water can be a matter of no difficulty.

The east side of the middle spit, from this place downwards to the pilot station, is little altered; only the depth of water about the Oscar is not so great as it was three months ago. No doubt this is the effect of the fine weather and the great body of the ebb, now getting out by the new channel.

From the Bombay Rock upwards the channel of the Harbour is in good condition, and well marked by piles and buoys, twenty-six of the latter being at present moored on the sides of it. Below the Bombay Rock there are sixteen buoys placed, which together with the twenty-six above, make forty-two in all.

The Semaphores erected at the end of last year have been of great service as being a means of communication between the town and the Heads. One of these is situated on the reserve, below the wharf; one at Sandy Point; and one at the Heads. The working of these is carried on by one signalman, permanently employed at Sandy Point, who transmits messages either way, and by the boatmen or pilots at the town and Heads stations. Besides the signalman at Sandy Point, there is a signalman stationed at the Flagstaff Steep Head, who is a medium of communication between vessels at sea, and the chief pilot at the station; and by consequence, the Harbour Master in town, through the Semaphores. The Steep Head Flagstaff I consider most invaluable to all ship-masters visiting the port; for by it they may, if they choose, ascertain all particulars relative to the state of the channel before running in.

The staff at the Heads Station consists of the chief pilot, two assistant pilots, and five boatmen. One of the boatmen being a tradesman (a ship-carpenter and boat-builder), gets extra pay; and when not acting as boatman, is constantly employed in repairing boats and other necessary carpenter’s work.

The Upper Harbour work is carried on by one person, who acts as Assistant Harbour Master and pilot, and two boatmen. These have constant employment in keeping the buoys in good condition, piloting vessels between the Lower Pool and Jetty, berthing and unmooring vessels at the Jetty, and attending the Semaphore.