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vided with ground tackle of the very best quality, the anchors not less in weight (and number) and the chains not less in size and length than those prescribed in Lloyd’s rules; but no vessel, however small, should have less than sixty fathoms of cable. The safety of vessels may depend on the quality of their ground tackle, should they have to ride out strong in-shore winds.

Vessels should be at all times prepared to slip in case of necessity, and, with that view, a good slip chain, ten fathoms long, with a cask or nun-buoy, should be attached to the cable outside the hawse. Rope should not be used for attaching the slip buoy, owing to the rocky nature of the bottom.

If it be necessary to slip when lying at the outer anchorage, and the wind is from N.N.W. or eastward of that point, slip on the port tack, and carry as much sail as the vessel will conveniently bear. Great care must be taken to ensure the vessel canting the proper way.

If lying at the inner anchorage with the wind North or N.N.W., a vessel would have to ply to windward to clear the reefs, unless it should be high water.

Should the wind veer round from the S.W. to the N.W., a vessel would have to ply to windward to clear the reefs, unless it should be high water.

Should the wind veer round from the S.W. to the North or N.N.W., a vessel would have to ply to windward to clear the reefs, unless it should be high water.

Should the wind veer round from the S.W. to the N.W. passing by W. (i.e., against the sun), however fine appearances may be, it should be looked on as a certain indication that a strong in-shore wind will set in within twenty-four hours.

In the event of having to slip and put to sea, a vessel should keep to the westward of the Sugar Loaves, and when the wind veers to the South-west run down off the outer Island, when the Harbor-master will communicate by signal whether to run to the anchorage or keep the sea, as many masters of vessels have lost much time by keeping the sea with strong S.W. winds, whilst in the roadstead it has been fine working weather.

Good anchorage will be found in strong S.W. winds under the inner Sugar Loaf (Moturoa) on the following bearings, viz.:—

Paritutu (Main Sugar Loaf), bearing S.W. by S. and in line with Mikotahi, a small rocky hill of the Sugar Loaf group which is an island at high water.

The centre of Motu Mahanga (outer Sugar Loaf), in line with the north end of Moturoa (inner Sugar Loaf) bearing West, depth of water five fathoms.

Ships visiting this Port should be provided with Marryatt’s Signals, a maul, cold chisel, chain punch, and lead line, and must be kept always ready for sea, so far as practicable.

All the bearings given in these directions and remarks are magnetic.

Signals.

The following special signals are authorized by the Colonial Marine Engineer to be used at the Port of New Plymouth:—

From the Flagstaff on Mount Eliot, immediately behind the Boatsheds.

1.—Signal to the Town.—(From the Masthead.)
Ensign over 3rd distinguishing pendant.

Steamer coming in from the North.
Ensign.—Steamer coming in from the South.

No. 1, of Marryatt’s code.—Ship or barque.
No. 2, ditto Brig.
No. 3, ditto Brigantine.
No. 4, ditto Topsail schooner.
No. 5, ditto Cutter.

A blue flag over any of the above will mean that the vessel indicated is passing.

No. 2 of Marryatt’s code over 2nd distinguishing pendant.
No. 2 of Marryatt’s code over danger flag.

A vessel is running into danger.

Signals to Shipping.

By Day.

In addition to the general signals for the Colony, published in the “New Zealand Harbor Regulations,” the following “local” signals will be used as required:

A ball at one yard arm and one on mast half way down the yard ) Wait till tide ebbs.
A ball at each yard arm ) You may stand in safely.
Two balls at each yard arm, one below the other ) You may stand in safely; a boat will put off.
Two balls at one yard arm (one below the other) and one ball at the other yard arm ) Vessels approach.

No. 2 of Marryatt’s code over 2nd distinguishing pendant at masthead.

You are running into danger.

In addition to the above, Marryatt’s code of signals will be used as required.