the buoys and beacons in Keppel Bay and the
Fitzroy River have had careful attention, and are in good order.

CAPE CAPRICORN.

The lightkeeper in charge of this station (Edwin Biss) died in
Rockhampton during the year, and was succeeded by the first assistant
(James Aitken). The lighthouse tower is in good order, but the iron
roofing of two of the cottages requires renewal, being oxidised and full
of perforations.

NORTH REEF.

At this exposed and isolated station I found the central structure in
sound condition, but the corrugated iron forming the walls and roof of
the circular superstructure round the base of the tower, and which forms
the domicile for the superintendent and lightkeepers, is very much
corroded by the action of the salt water, necessitating some
considerable repairs. During the gale and high tides of March last, the
sandbank was entirely submerged, the sea smashing in the doors and
windows, and flooding the keeper's quarters. The sand, some 14 feet in
depth, which originally surrounded the building, has been washed away,
allowing the sea free access to the foundation caisson, which is down 14
feet into the solid madrepore. I do not, however, consider the stability
of the structure is depreciated to any extent in consequence. This
station, like Cape Capricorn, is visited by the Harbour Master at
Rockhampton once a month.

PINE ISLET.

Everything here is in good order, and a gangway ladder has been
constructed to facilitate landing at this almost inaccessible rock,
which the Harbour Master at Rockhampton visits every two months.

YEPPOON.

One small steamer and two or three small craft trade to this place, the
Department maintaining the necessary marks for navigation.

HARRISVILLE (EMU PARK).

No vessels except fishing and pleasure boats have been here for some
time. A black buoy is, however, kept moored off the end of the outer
reef.

PORT BOWEN.

Is now only visited by vessels seeking shelter. The wharf is in good
order, but no cattle have been shipped since 1887.

BROADSOUND.

Since October last the staff at this port, which previously consisted of
a pilot and three hands, has been considerably reduced--the coxswain
only (who is also a boatman pilot) being retained. The trade to the port
is merely one small steamer, making about four trips a year.

PORT MACKAY.

So far but little improvement in the Pioneer River appears to have
resulted from the construction of