H.—2l

2

Channel, and when she got inside I took the signal down. By this time the N.E. wind had died away, and a light S.W. wind had sprung up. The " Sarah Pile " then steered for the bar, at which time the bar was very smooth, which induced me to put up signal to take the Fanny Channel. The " Maud Graham " then weighed anchor and followed the " Sarah Pile," which vessel shortly afterwards took the ground. I then put up the north semaphore arm to keep the "Maud Graham" clear of the " Sarah Pile," being under the impression that the water was deeper northward of the " Sarah Pile;" but the " Maud Graham " also took the ground; yet neither of the vessels remained so over half an hour, and while they were aground they appeared as quiet as if they were at anchor. I have, &c, E. J. Palteidge, Captain T. Wing, Harbourmaster, Manukau. Signalman.

Authority : Geobge Didsbuey, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBB4.