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The site of this lighthouse is on the southern extremity of the Moeraki Peninsula, overlooking the Ivartigi beach. Timaru : Harbour Light. —As reported last year, tenders w rere called for this work, which consisted of tho lighthouse tower and a dwelling for the keeper. A contract was entered into, which, after numerous delay's and difficulties, was completed long after the contract time. The lantern and apparatus were then fixed, and the light will be exhibited on the Ist July, 1878. The official description of the light is as follows: It is a fixed white light of the fifth order; it will be visible from N. 20° W. to S. 20° E. The tower is 30 feet in height. The light is elevated 85 feet above the sea, and will be seen in clear weather at a distance of 14^ miles. Hokitika : Harbour Light. —The lantern and apparatus for this have been ordered from Home, but no advice of their shipment has been received. Cape Maria. —A working party was sent to this place in August last, and I am now glad to be able to report that all the buildings at this station will be completed about the end of August, and ready for the reception of the lantern and light apparatus. The works here have gone on very steadily, and without hitch of any kind, although the landing-place at times offers serious difficulties in landing materials under certain states of tho wind. Akaroa. —As previously arranged, an overseer and working party were despatched to this place in April last, since which they have been engaged in preparing a landing-place and cutting a roadway, mostly in rock, from it to the site of the lighthouse. Plans have been prepared for the tower and dwellings, and the material for their erection will be despatched as soon as the road and other works of excavation are complete. Cape Saunders. —Surveys have been made of the new site with a view of acquiring tho land, but the question of determining the best landing-place has delayed the completion of the plans. This, however, will be decided on the next southern trip of the "Stella/" about the middle of July, and the plans will then be completed as speedily as possible. Moko-Hinau : Hauraki Gulf. —It was hoped that the land required for a site for this lighthouse would have been acquired before this ; but, as no reasonable terms can be arranged with the owner, it will be necessary to take it under " The Public Works Act, 1876," arrangements for doing which are now in hand. During the year I have visited the following lighthouses, where works were in progress or contemplated:— 1877. Sept. 13. Portland Island : to inspect progress of works. Dec. 15. The same. Dec. 25. Cape Maria: to inspect progress of works, and to arrange for erection of permanent tramway and preparation of landing-place, fixing of crane, &c. 1878. Feb. 5. Cape Farewell: to inspect generally, but more particularly state of wood framing of the tower, which I found to be satisfactory. Mar. 14. Moeraki: to inspect progress of works. AprillS. Hokitika: inspected site, and obtained general information. I have &c, John Blackett, The Officer iii Charge, Marine Department. Marine Engineer.

EEPOET ON COAL EXPLORATIONS AND INSPECTION OE MINES, Conducted by the Geological Survey Department, 1877-78. Dr. Hector to the Hon. the Colonial Secretary. Sir,— Wellington, 29th May, 1878. _ I have the honor to forward, for the information of the Hon. the Minister for Public Works, an interim report on the present state of the coal mines of the colony by the Assistant Geologist, who was last year appointed Inspector of Mines, with the view of giving a tentative effect to the provisions of " The Eegulation of Mines Act, 1874." The total number of collieries in the colony at present is 32, of which 26 have heen examined since the above appointment was made; and the record plans of all the mines have been brought up to date. These are as follows :—