I.—lo.

Noes, 5. —Hon. Mr. G. E. Johnson, Hon. Mr. Miller, Mr. Sutton, Mr. Swanson, and Hon. Mr. Williamson. So it was resolved in the affirmative. Resolved, That Mr. Joyce be allowed to read the following telegram sent to him by the Chamber of Commerce, Invercargill: "The following was resolved in the Chamber this day: That, in any arrangement for direct steam service with Great Britain, the claims of the Bluff being made a port of call should be urged for the following reasons : (1) That the distance is one day's steam shorter than Lyttelton or Wellington; (2) that the approach from the westward is well lit up, and from the eastward soon equally so; (3) entrance channel has no turns which largest steamer could not navigate with its own steam; (4) not less than 24 feet low water and 30 feet high water from sea to wharf; (5) largest steamer could anchor a quarter of a mile from the wharf with 30 feet of water at low tide; (6) wharf accommodation easily provided, with 26 feet low water; (7) with the harbour well lit a steamer could enter at all ordinary times; (8) a better harbour than that of Point de Galle; (9) there is neither sea nor swell which could affect large steamers; (10) extensive coal deposits are being worked, with a railway from mine to port; (11) the grain production of Southland has now reached a proportion which will make this freight an object to steamers; (12) the sheep for refrigeration and export from Southland, Lake, and Wallace Counties, reckoned at 37,000 this year; (13) the expedition through steamers would largely increase the quantity of wool shipment at the Bluff; (14) only fair to Southland to make provisions for preparation for immigrants by direct steamer landing them at the Bluff; (15) conveyance of general passengers inwards or outwards is best served by calling at the Bluff both ways." On the motion of Mr. Joyce, Resolved, That the Bluff shall be included in the ports of arrival and departure which shall be optional for steamers under arrangements with the Government. Resolved, That the Chairman be directed to report the foregoing resolutions to the House. The Committee then adjourned.

Authority : Gbobge Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB3.

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