Catholics. There is also a small court-house, with public offices attached, a gaol, and a very neat and ornamental structure, intended for an Exchange.

A fine steamer, the Phæniz, regularly plies, between Table Bay and Port Elizabeth, the passage occupying each way, the average period, of from three to four days.

There is no correct Chart of Algoa Bay, published at present. Lieut. Rice's sketch, made in 1797, to be found in Barrow's Travels, and reprinted by the Hydrographical Office, in 1801, is the only one extant, and used by navigators; and as there is only one danger in entering the anchorage the Roman Rock, as it is denominated, the imperfect chart has, perhaps, been thought sufficient for the common purposes of navigation; but the rapidly increasing commerce of the port, imperatively calls for a fresh and more accurate survey.

Rice's chart represents the bay as open to nearly half the compass, whereas it is now well known, beyond all possibility of dispute, that, from the anchorage, the extremes of the land, (that is, the horns of the bay,) extended only six points-which is from E. S. to S.b.E. E.; and it is only when the wind blows within six points, that ships can be placed in danger at the anchorage. For the observation of these bearings, we are indebted to Sir John Marshall, commanding H.M. frigate Isis, on his visit here, in July, 1843-when they were taken by his orders with an improved azimuth compass. Taking a fair average of the year, it may be safely said, that the wind blows four days from the land to one day upon it.

A reference to the chart in question; as well as to the various maps of the south-east coast of the Colony, copied from Lieut. Rice's sketches, will shew that Algoa Bay is there represented as little better than a mere open roadstead; whereas it is, in fact, a deep, horse-shoe shaped indentation, well protected from the violence of the wind-except under peculiar visitations, occurring at long intervals apart.

A slight survey-perhaps it should rather be called an inspection of the bay-was made in 1820, by Capt. Fairfax Moresby, of the Menai; and, in his report, he states: "Should Port Elizabeth ever become a place of commercial consequence (which there is no doubt it soon will,) chain-moorings, or even anchors of a large size, with chain cable, should be laid down for the ships that wish to approach near shore, for the purpose of loading or unloading." "I do not," adds he, “make the remark from the insecurity of the bay-for I consider it, at all times, equal to Table Bay, and, for six months, very far its superior." And the gallant commander goes on to say-" Had I my choice of trusting my ship for year round to Torbay, in England, Palermo Bay, in Sicily, or Algoa Bay, I should without hesitation prefer the anchorage of Port Elizabeth, (Algoa Bay.)"

the

To make this bay what it deserves to be, and must sooner or later become, a place of extensive commerce, there are four improvements yet to be introduced, viz.:-a landing jetty, a supply of water to the beach, a buoy on the Roman, or Despatch rock, and a lighthouse on

Cape Recife. It is satisfactory to state, that arrangements have been made for the commencement of the latter immediately.

PORT INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALGOA BAY.

Should it be the intention of the master of a vessel to discharge or receive on board any considerable quantity of cargo, a convenient berth will be pointed out by the Port Captain, as close to the landing place as the safety of the vessel and other circumstances will admit. The vessel must then be moored with two bower anchors, with an open hawse to the S.E. and especial care taken not to overlay the anchors of other vessels, or in any way to give them a foul berth. Ships or vessels touching for water and refreshments, may ride at single anchor, but they must then anchor well to the northward, so as to prevent danger (in case of drifting) to the vessels moored, aud it is particularly recommended, when riding at single anchor to veer out 70 or 80 fathoms of chain, the other bower cable should be ranged and the anchor kept in perfect readiness to let go; strict attention should be paid to keep a clear hawse, (when moored,) the more so when it is probable the wind may blow from the S.E., and whether at single anchor or moored, the sheet anchor should be ready for immediate use. The situation of the vessel must be taken by land marks, and the depth of water, and should any accident occur by which she may drift from such situation, or lose her anchors, the same must be notified in writing to the Port Captain.

It is recommended that vessels be kept as snug as possible; especially such as may have to remain some time in the anchorage, for the periodical winds blow occasionally with much violence.

Vessels having Marryatt's Code of Signals, can make their wishes known to their agents, in blowing weather through the Port Office;-Vessels not having the Code, can make the following with their Ensigns:

1.-Ensign in the Fore Top-mast Rigging,-I am in want of a Cable. 2.-Ensign in the Main Top-mast Rigging.—I am in want of an Anchor. 3.—Ensign in the Fore Rigging.—I have parted a Bower Cable.

4.-Ensign in the Main Rigging.-I am in want of an Anchor and Cable. 5.-Whift, where best seen.-Send off a Boat.

Whenever a red Flag may be hiosted at the Port Office, it denotes that it is unsafe for any boat to land.

Approved.

(Signed) H. G, DUNSTERVILLE, Port Captain.

By Command of His Excellency the Governor,
(Signed)
JOHN MONTAGU,

Colonial Office, 6th February, 1844.

ROMAN ROCK, ALGOA BAY.

Sec. to Government.

Position of the Roman Rock in Algoa Bay, in some Charts called Despatch Rock.

The following bearings are taken by compass from the rock, which has from 7 to 8 feet of water upon it at low water.

The outermost rocks of Cape Recife bear S.b. W. distant five miles.—The Breast beacons, W. one mile and a half.

A whitish looking rock off Rocky point, on with the flag staff at the Fishery

W.N.W.IN.

Pyramid over the Town, N.W.IN.

Store on the beach in a line with the Church, N.W.IN.

Anchorage N.W. distant five miles.

The beacons are crected near the beach, that next the sea has a tar barrel on the top, painted white; the mason work also shows white, at the bottom the space between the two is black.

The inland beacon has a white cross; and when brought in a line with the other beacons forms like a small windmill, bearing due W. from the rock.

A vessel entering the bay, round Cape Recife, with a proper offing, to steer N.N.E. until the Breast Beacons are in one; and when the cross is well open with the other beacon two or three ships' lengths, she may haul up for the anchorage N.W.

There is sufficient room and depth of water for any ship between the Roman Rock and the Main, the channel lying S.b.E. and N.b.W.

Is 430 feet wide, 9 feet deep, the Pont or Floating Bridge cost £300, takes over 1 wagon with 16 oxen, laden with 15 muids of meal at a time, within 3 minutes.

THE REPORT OF EXAMINERS AT LIVERPOOL; with comments and queries thereon.

Report of the Board, for the Examination of Masters and Mates, appointed in pursuance of the recommendation of the Board of Trade, for this port, at the meeting of Commissioners, held in the Town Hall, in October, 1845.

The Board may be permitted to premise their report by a few observations on the nature of, and necessity for, this institution.

The institution is not for the especial benefit of shipowners; as they, when appointing masters and mates to their vessels, require a knowledge of many qualifications beyond those of nautical skill, science, and general character, which alone can form the subjects of a public examination.

But the objects sought by this institution are, principally for the public good and safety, by preventing unqualified persons from being entrusted with the charge of vessels, and of the lives and property embarked therein: and also to promote education, knowledge, and good conduct throughout the mercantile marine; so, that, the advancement and improvement of officers therein may be, at least, concurrent with the improvement now taking place amongst seamen, by the exertions of wise and benevolent individuals, in establishing Sailors' Homes, &c.

It is, therefore, obvious that the institution should be public, and directed by the local authorities, as is the case at most other seaports; and, in accordance with the plan recommended by the Board of Trade.

The necessity and desirableness of a public institution for the examination of masters and mates in the merchant service, are now, clearly and firmly established; the Admiralty having issued notice, that they will give the preference of freight, in all Government shipments of stores, &c., and that, in chartering transports, convict ships, &c., they will restrict themselves to those vessels the masters and mates of which have been examined and certified: and the President of the Board of Trade recently stated in Parliament, that this system of examination is useful and desirable, and will, probably, soon be made compulsory on all

masters.

Since this Board discontinued its operations in March last, there have been numerous applicants for examination, and the inconvenience and expense occasioned to them have been considerable. The following letter from Capt. Harvey is one instance:

"55, Seel Street, Liverpool, "June 9th, 1848.

"SIR.-Having applied to Mr. Dobie, Secretary to the Board of Examination of Masters and Mates for this port, by whom I am informed there is no Board acting at present, I beg to address you thus, as chairman of the said Board, to assist me, as I am so circumstanced that I cannot go elsewhere to obtain a certificate; and as it is indispensable for me to have one before I leave England, you would infinitely oblige me by ordering a Board to be formed for my special case.

"To the Chairman, &c."

"I am, Sir, &c.,

"WILLIAM HARVEY."

The hardship and expense thus occasioned to masters and mates furnish strong additional proof of the necessity for maintaining an efficient Board in this great sea-port.

With these remarks, the Board will now proceed to report briefly their proceedings.

It will be recollected that, the Commissioners of Pilotage did not assign any funds, nor authorise the Board to incur any debt. It therefore required much patience and perseverance, with some individual responsibility on the part of the Board, to organise an establishment, provide an office with the books, registers, charts, &c., indispensably

necessary.

The Board was fortunate in obtaining the assistance of Messrs. ESHELBY, Macauley, Mitchell, and NELSON, who have undertaken the nautical examinations hitherto, and are entitled to great credit for the perseverance, zeal, and ability with which they have gratuitously attended to that department.

Mr. Livingston, and Mr. Monteath, have conducted the scientific examination, receiving one-fourth the amount of fees.

Mr. Dobie has assisted the establishment greatly as secretary, e ceiving five shillings for each meeting.

The number of certificates issued is 53 masters' and 6 mates.'

The fee for examination is two guineas for master, and one for

mate.

In March last, the Board resolved that, it was essential to have the scientific examination conducted by a salaried officer, debarred from teaching; and that the Board would discontinue examining until such an officer was appointed.

The Board have. therefore, provided excellent nautical examiners, a good secretary, office, and all the requisite books and machinery, requiring only a good scientific examiner to enable the Board to resume examinations in a very efficient manner.

It is understood that Mr. Cox, who has been engaged by the Dock Committee, for the last two years, under Lieut. Lord, surveying the port for the new chart, would undertake the office at £150 per annum; he is a master in the navy, and Lieut. Lord considers him well qualified, and a very fit and proper person.

The Board have hitherto defrayed all expenses by the fees received; and there is every probability that an efficient establishment will soon be self-supporting, or nearly so.

Believing that the Commissioners of Pilotage are stringently confined in the appropriation of the Pilotage funds, and knowing also that the Corporation receives a large amount annually from the trade of the port as town dues, probably £60,000 or £70,000 per annum, this Board made application to the Town Council for a guarantee to the extent of £150 per annum, to enable the Board to engage Mr. Cox, or some suitable gentleman, and carry on the operations of the Board; the Council, however, on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, declined.

In conclusion, this Board considers it desirable and necessary that an efficient Board for the examination of masters and mates should be maintained in Liverpool; and they recommend the Commissioners of Pilotage immediately to adopt the necessary steps for maintaining such a Board, on a footing befitting this great sea-port.

To the Commissioners of Pilotage for

the Port of Liverpool.

Comments and Queries on the foregoing Report.

1st. Of whom did the Board consist, from which this anonymous report emanated?

2nd. One of these nautical examiners first proposed the extra for Capt. Judkins; and he talks of parallels of longitude, and says, scientific examiners may call them meridians, but he calls them parallels. A story is related of him that, in examining a mate, he said "Pray young man, do you know the reason why a little round cloud sticks over the moon for a day or two, about the time of full moon?" Surely he must have NO. 11.-VOL. XVII.

4 F