16. The number despatched to Cooktown during 1878 amounted to 51; this is a decrease on 1877 of 6,014, caused presumably by the Poll tax of £10 imposed on every Chinese landing there. There is an increase however of 1,715 on the number embarked for Port Darwin. I understand that many of these find their way to other parts of the country overland and thus evade the tax.
17. The number of Emigrants proceeding to San Francisco shows a decrease of 3,222; this was to be expected in consequence of the opposition shewn by the State of California.
18. To make up for the decrease in the number of Emigrants proceeding to Cooktown and San Francisco, the Straits Settlements have taken 5,601, Sydney 1,367, Melbourne 285, and Dunedin 224
more than in 1877.
19. Emigration was again opened during 1878 to British Guia. The British barque Dartmouth left on the 23rd of December taking 506 passengers; this number included 47 women and 23 children.
20. The total number of passengers returning to the Colòny amounted during 1878 to 47,882; this is in excess of the number leaving by 9,229; the number returning from the Straits Settlements alone amounted to 29,775, which was in excess of those going there by 9,145.
REGISTRY OF SHIPPING.
21. Five vessels have been registered at this port during 1878; four were vessels built here, the fifth was transferred from Halifax, N.S. The Registers of seven vessels were, for various reasons, cancelled during the same period.
The amount of Fees collected under this heading was $372.00.
MARINE MAGISTRATE'S COURT.
22. One hundred and ninety-nine Cases were tried at this Court, two only were of a serious nature, namely, those of two junks which left the Harbour without a Clearance, and were forfeited to the
Crown.
EXAMINATIONS FOR THE POSTS OF MASTERS AND MATES
UNDER ORDINANCE No. 17 OF 1860.
23. There were 46 applicants, of whom 29 obtained Certificates of Competency, and 17 failed.
MARINE COURTS, UNDER ORDINANCE No. 11 OF 1860.
24. The following Courts have been held during the year:-
1. On the 27th June, 1878, inquiry as to the loss of the British barque Knight of Snowdoun, Official No. 51,022, on a reef (marked on the Chart by which the Master was navigating) about four miles to the Northward and Westward of Cape Santiago in the Island of Luzon, Philippine Group. The Master's (CHARLES RICHARDSON) and 'First Mate's (ALEXANDER THOMSON) Certificates of Competency were suspended for three months, respectively.
2. On the 31st July, 1878, inquiry as to the loss of the British barque Lord of the Isles, Official No. 51,051, on a rock (according to the Master's statement) about 300 yards from the North-east point of Andres Island. Naranjos Group, Philippine Islands. The Master (JouN FRANCIS PIPER) was ensured for committing an error of judgment.
3. On the 29th November, 1878, inquiry as to the Misconduct of the Master (WILLIAM LACON RYDE) of the British ship Napier, Official No. 59,846. The Master was severely reprimanded.
SEAMEN.
25. Seven thousand eight hundred and ninety-two seainen have been shipped, and 8,146 seamen have been discharged at the Shipping Office of this Department. Of the difference, 254, most of the
en have left the Colony without being regularly shipped.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
The Honourable W. H. MARSH,
Colonial Secretary,
&c.,
&c.,
&c.
J. P. McEUEN, Acting Harbour Master, $fc.