106

SIGNAL STATION, MOUNT VICTORIA.

The dwelling-house has been repaired and painted recently, also the signal-staff and signals, and the gear rectified. The whole establishment is in good working order.

LIGHTHOUSE, SOMES’ ISLAND.

It is now nearly nine years since this lighthouse was erected, and the light has proved remarkably useful. It was, however, found desirable to introduce kerosene lamps, on account of procuring a more powerful and economical light. Orders were accordingly sent to the manufacturers for the lamps required, but, unfortunately, those sent were found, after a number of trials by practical men, to be so very slightly made that they were quite unfit for a lighthouse, and were consequently returned. This is to be regretted, as the kerosene lamps have proved both serviceable and efficient in other places. The dwelling and lighthouse have been painted lately, and are in thoroughly good order.

PILOT STATION, WANGANUI.

The buildings at this station are in good repair, and have been painted recently. The flag-staff has also been painted, and the gear refitted, while a new boat and other necessary stores have been supplied.

PILOT STATION, MANAWATU.

The buildings at this station are in very good repair, also the flag-staff and gear, which have been painted and refitted recently. A new boat and everything necessary for the pilot service have been supplied. A lantern to be hoisted on the flag-staff showing a bright light, similar to the one obtained for Wanganui, has been ordered, and will be of great service to masters of vessels trading to this river. The trade to Manawatu has increased considerably during the past year, and it has in consequence been found necessary to employ a second boatman at this station. The Pilot reports that an average depth of twelve feet has been found on the bar at spring tides for the last eight months.

RANGITIKEI RIVER.

There are now two steamers and several sailing vessels trading regularly to this river, and, in my opinion, the interest of the district would be promoted by the appointment of a pilot, to be stationed at the mouth of this river.

John Holiday,
Harbour Master.

His Honor the Superintendent,
Wellington.

Appendix M.

CORRESPONDENCE RELATIVE TO THE SELECTION OF 80,000 ACRES OF LAND BY THE GENERAL GOVERNMENT.

Superintendent’s Office,
Wellington, 10th April, 1875.

Sir,—

Referring to my letter of the 6th October last, and to your reply of the 7th of the same month, relative to the selection of 80,000 acres of land in the Seventy-mile Bush Block, to be held as security for the £66,000 advanced under “The Provincial Public Works Advances Act, 1874,” I shall be obliged by your informing me when the selection will be made, in order that the Provincial Government may deal with the remainder of the Block.

I have, &c.,
William Fitzherbert;
The Hon. the Minister for Public Works,
Wellington.

(No. 143.)

Colonial Secretary’s Office,
Wellington, 22nd April, 1875.

Sir,—

I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 10th instant, addressed to the Minister for Public Works, requesting to be informed when the selection will be made of the 80,000 acres of land in the Seventy-mile bush, to be held as security for the £66,000 advanced under “The Provincial Public Works Advances Act, 1874,” and in reply, to inform your Honor that the state of the surveys do not enable me to give a definite reply, but that so soon as they are sufficiently advanced to permit the Government to do so, your Honor shall be informed.

I have, &c.,
Daniel Pollen.

His Honor the Superintendent,
Wellington.

Printed under the authority of the Government of the Province of Wellington, by Thomas M’Kenzie, Printer for the time being to such Government.