year. The beach which formerly protected the pilot station buildings has
been greatly encroached upon by the sea, and at one time fears were
entertained for the safety of the dwelling-houses. Happily, however, the
only damage done was the destruction of the boatshed and the loss of a
few stores. The Custom-house and telegraph station, which adjoin the
pilot station, are being removed to a new site; and I think it advisable
that the pilot station should also be removed, as, with a renewal of
last year's weather, the buildings may be lost altogether. The
destruction to buoys and beacons was very great, and the approaches to
the Herbert River have altered very much. All damage to buoys and
beacons has been made good, and the channels, which retain their former
depths, re-marked.

SNAGGING PUNT.

Snagging has been carried on during the year in the Johnstone, Seymour,
Herbert, and Nind Rivers. The results, however, were not satisfactory,
it being difficult to control the operations of the men. A local trust
has been appointed to carry out the work, and better results may be
anticipated.

MOURILYAN HARBOUR.

The trade to this port is now confined to the visit of a small steamer
twice a week. The necessary beacons and lights are maintained by the
Department.

JOHNSTONE RIVER.

Has, like mostly all the other ports, suffered from the effects of gales
and floods. The amount of damage was, however, comparatively trifling,
and confined to the blowing down of a few inexpensive beacons. The
approach to the river has altered its direction, and the leading lights
and beacons on Flying Fish Point have been moved to indicate the course
in, which is now N. W. by W. 3/4 W., while formerly it was W. 3/4 N. The
houses at the pilot station and the pilot cutter are in good order.

CAIRNS.

The new cutting into Cairns harbour was completed last year, giving a
depth of 13 feet at low water, spring tides, and leading lights and
beacons have been established to render the cutting easily navigable by
night as well as by day. The dredged channel has stood remarkably well;
only a slight silting up has been recently reported near the third pile.
This spot, however--upon inquiry--appears never to have been dredged. A
new staff for the outer leading light has been erected, and the buoys
and beacons are fully maintained. The largest coasting steamers now
enter and leave the port in safety. The beacons in the Barron and
Mulgrave Rivers