are attended to by the staff at Cairns, and are at
present in their proper positions.

My predecessor suggested that a lightship should be placed near the
Fairway Buoy to mark the entrance to the dredged cutting, and as a guide
for vessels visiting the port, as well as to exhibit the necessary tidal
signals. A light-vessel or--what would be cheaper--a small fixed
pile-light on the Trotter-Lindberg principle--would certainly be a great
advantage. The pilot boat, dwelling-houses, boatshed, and all property
of the Department is well looked after.

LOW ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE.

The lighthouse and buildings on this island are kept in a very orderly
way, and apparently no outlay will be necessary for some time. The
Harbour Master at Port Douglas visits the station once a month.

PORT DOUGLAS.

The buoys and beacons are in good order, but the lighthouse requires a
new balcony and door. The buoys and beacons at the Daintree and Mossman
Rivers are maintained by the staff at Port Douglas, but the trade at the
present time is very limited.

COOKTOWN.

During the past year the swinging basin has been dredged, which
considerably increases the anchorage accommodation at this port. The
pilot vessel "Governor Cairns" has been recently repaired and
remetalled, and consequently will require no further outlay for some
time. She is principally employed in attending to the beacons in the
Inner Route to Torres Straits, and conveying stores to the lighthouses
at Archer Point and Rocky Islet. The harbour plant, buildings, buoys,
beacons, and the lighthouse and signal station on Grassy Hill are well
cared for, and in good order. Two new buoys were supplied last year.

LIGHTSHIPS.

The new relieving light-vessel is now stationed at Channel Rock, and, as
she was provided with a new and complete equipment, no outlay will be
necessary for her maintenance for some time.

The Claremont Island lightship had a thorough overhaul two years ago.
She is kept in excellent order, and requires no outlay. The Piper Island
lightship will be the next vessel to be relieved. The metal on her
bottom is becoming thin, and the caulking in her topsides defective.
After a careful examination I consider she may remain another year or
eighteen months at her station. The repairs necessary in the meantime
are unimportant.

BEACONS, INNER ROUTE.

These are now in an efficient state, the heavy weather of the pant year
having occasioned considerable damage