D.—No. 4.

6

CORRESPONDENCE RESPECTING

No. 6. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Taylor to the Hon. E. "W. Stafford. Sib, — Superintendent's Office, Southland, 7th March, 1867. I have the honor to enclose herewith a report by the Harbour Master at the Bluff as to the capabilities of the Bluff Harbour for swinging ships. I have, &c, John P. Taylor, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary, Wellington. Superintendent.

Enclosure in No. 6. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Tuoiisojf to His Honor the Superintendent of Southland. Sib,— Bluff Harbour, sth March, 1867. In compliance with your Honor's request to report on the facilities of this port for carrying out the plan suggested by the Colonial Marine Engineer for swinging vessels to ascertain the deviation of their compasses, and the probable expense of the appurtenances required, I have the honor to report as follows : — Ist. That the sixth arm of the Harbour, near the jetty, where the moorings arc now laid down, is a suitable place for such purpose. 2nd. That I have ascertained by a number of observations taken on the spot that there is no local attraction on the abovenained place. 3rd. That I have ascertained the correct bearings of several distant objects, any of which may be chosen as a mark when swinging vessels. 4th. That the mooring now laid down will answer as a central mooring, being what is termed a compound mooring. sth. That the wharf will answer as one of the four smaller moorings required. Gth. There is sufficient depth of water, and no current during the flood tide. 7th. That should it be necessary to swing a vessel it could be done with a little extra trouble by using her own anchors at the three deficient points. Bth. That three small moorings would complete the present arrangements and their cost would bo about £100. 9th. That a complete set of moorings, independent of those already mentioned, would cost from £250 to £300. Taking into consideration that no building or repairing is going on, and that vessels will seldom require to be swung here for some time yet, I would not advise tho Government at present to go to the expense of new moorings, or completing the present arrangements, more especially as materials which will greatly assist in these works may be recovered from tho harbour by the time they are required. I have, &c., Thos. Thomson, His Honor the Superintendent. Harbour Master.

No. 7. Copy of a Letter from Mr. Moobhouse to the Hon. E. W. Stafford. (158.) Superintendent's Office, Sir, — Christchurch, Canterbury, 29th April, 1867. In reply to your Circular No. Go, dated 19th January, 1867, enclosing for my information copy of a letter from Mr. Balfour, Marine Engineer, to the Honorable the Postmaster-General, and copies of its enclosures conveying information as to the working of "The Steam Navigation Act, 1506," and in which you call my special attention to paragraphs ten and eleven, with regard to swinging vessels for compass correction, I have the honor to state that this Government is willing to defray the expenses of establishing a swinging apparatus in the Port of Lyttelton, and that I have instructed the Port Officer to examine and report on the most suitable site for the erection of a dolphin for the purpose. I have, &c, "W. S. Mooeiiotjse, The Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Superintendent.

No. 8. Copy of a Letter from the Hon. E. ~W. Staffobd to Dr. Feathebstox. Sm,— Colonial Secretary's Office, 7th June, 1867. I have the honor to enclose a copy of a letter dated the 30th ultimo, from Mr. J. M. T?alfour, Colonial Marine Engineer, representing the urgent necessity for an arrangement for swinging steamers in this harbour, and to call again your Honor's attention to this subject, which was brought to your notice in my Circular of the 19th January last. I have, &c, E. W. Stafford, His Honor the Superintendent, "Wellington. Colonial Secretary.