The best way of ascertaining whether they have reached Pondicherry as Port Novo, is, after they have shaped their course to stand in boldly to the shore, and keep the lead going. To the east and N.E. of the bank, the soundings diminish rapidly, in some places a fathom at a cast. In the neighbourhood of Pondicherry, on the other hand, the soundings diminish gradually and uniformly. The bottom of the Coleroon bank is of sand, and good for anchorage, if the sea breeze is not too strong. (Signed) A. HENRY, Lieutenant of the Harbour Ship. Madras, September, 1837. Port Novo River is situated about ninety-six nautical miles south of Madras, which former place is where enterprizing projectors have for some years established an iron foundry; the local advantages of the river to the iron company appears to be its proximity to the Salem district, where the masses of ore and abundance of firewood are procured. It is to be hoped that such a noble undertaking will eventually prosper, as it is important to the interests of India, and would yield incalculable benefit. A great quantity of iron-rail has already been cast at this place and sent to Madras, and subsequently laid down as a rail-road from the Red Hills (ten miles distant from Madras,) in a line three miles towards the Presidency. Several large vessels belong to Port Novo, which trade annually with piece goods to the eastern coast, and return with elephants, pepper, spice, &c. Port Novo is well adapted for ship-building, and vessels of upwards of two hundred tons could be built; but the shallowness of the bar stands as a barrier (six feet at spring-tides,) and discourages such enterprise and speculation; and there can be no doubt that, if the sand on the bar could be permanently removed as it accumulates, the river would afford a very safe harbour (and convenient to Madras) for a ship to resort to, either for shelter during the the N.E. monsoon, or to repair. Another great benefit which the inhabitants derive from the river (ten feet deep, and upwards in some places,) is the recreation they take in boat-sailing; they are sometimes joined by gentlemen of the Company's military and civil service, who visit Port Novo to inspect the iron works. The deep sandy roads are impracticable for conveyances to run on. The European workmen's cottages, situated on the banks of the river, in contrast with the land scenery, present a very pleasing and imposing prospect. The lofty lights from the furnaces at night expanding in the clouds, are worthy of particular remark, proving, as they do, a useful beacon to the mariner (who knows of their existence, and in guiding his ship either into Pondicherry or Madras Roads) and warning him of his approach to the Coleroon Point (the only danger on that line of coast,) where Sir S. Hood, in H.M. ship Minden run upon in 1804. It is further interesting to observe, that the greatest quantity of goods which are imported from Novo Point (brought down from the Salem district), are floated down the river in baskets, lined with hides, and made water-tight. On Sundays, the European inhabitants congregate at one or other of the houses belonging to the superintendents of the iron work establishment, to join in divine service. ESTABLISHMENT OF A LIGHT-HOUSE AT PONDICHERRY. Cost, 7000 francs building. FROM the 1st of July, 1836, a fixed light of the third magnitude will be exhibited during the whole night on the summit of a tower recently constructed at Pondichery. This light, placed at eighty-nine feet above the level of the sea, will be seen in clear weather from a ship's poop, from a distance of sixteen to seventeen nautical miles. During the N.E. monsoon, that is to say, from the month of October to March, vessels arriving during the whole night in the roads of Pondicherry, should anchor in ten or twelve fathoms water, the light bearing by compass from W. by N. to W. N.W. This anchorage will be the most convenient for communication with the shore, and for weighing, during bad weather. During the S.W. monsoon, the wind prevailing from S. E. on the coast, from the end of March to October, bad weather is not to be apprehended, and vessels can then anchor at night in seven or six fathoms, with the light bearing by compass from W. to W. by N. Thus placed, the vessels will be during each season in the most favourable position for communication with the shore. Pondicherry, the 10th March, 1836. Approved, (Signed) L. DALMAS. (Signed) A. HOSTEIN, Captain of the Port. Published by order of the Marine Board, Fort William the 29th April, 1836. Pondicherry lighthouse has been erected accordingly (though not generally known), and is of essential service to ships frequenting the coast, and a trifling charge is demanded from all persons who are desirous to go up and inspect the lighthouse, which is kept exceedingly clean, and reflects great credit on the French authorities. Pondicherry Town is remarkably compact and neat; many persons, from inland stations, resort there for a change, or to recruit health. It is situated sixty-nine nautical miles south of Madras. Cuddalore is thirteen miles further south along the sea coast, where there is a Bar river (six feet at spring tides,) and is accessible for native crafts of 100 tons burthen. Several Dhonies of this size belong to the port, and trade to Madras, and other adjacent places, with local produce, &c. Cuddalore is one of the most salubrious and interesting stations, perhaps, under the Madras Presidency. About two hundred European pensioners reside there (beef, rice, poultry, and wearing apparel are cheap.) Several of these veterans have, from their perseverance and frugality, built delightful cottages, which are, owing to their advantageous position, being sought after by the officers of detachments' sent periodically to Cuddalore. The Tillah gaol at Cuddalore may not be unworthy of notice. It generally contains between three and four hundred prisoners; part of them are employed in weaving table linen, and coloured cloth, manufacturing paper, and cocoa-nut-oil; others are usefully employed in repairing roads and bridges ;—and it is by the labour of these men that the roads in the Cuddalore district have been made safe and durable. The country adjacent is well irrigated from the tanks and rivulets, and generally appears green and refreshing. CHRONOMETERS, MADRAS.-In pursuance of the direction of the Right Honourable the Governor in Council, the chronometers of captains and officers of Her Majesty's navy, or the Honourable Company's sea service, or of masters and officers of British merchant vessels frequenting this port, are received here every day (Sunday excepted) between the hours of eleven and two, in order to having their rates determined, free from all fees or charges of every description. Madras Observatory, 16th October, 1831. N. B. For further information, the time of evening gun-fire is published in the Madras Male Asylum Herald. In addition to this, the master-attendant very kindly sends a person every morning to the observatory, for the mean time of gunfire on the preceding evening, which is affixed to the door of the war office, for the information of all whom it may concern, or even sent on board of ships, if circumstances require it. Madras, July, 1837. THE following circular of the Admiralty, dated March 16th, 1838, is well worthy the attention of mates in the merchant service : "With reference to the circular letter of the 2nd instant, relative to the admission of an additional number of master's assistants into the Royal navy, I am commanded by my Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty, to acquaint you, that instead of the periods of time thereby required as a qualification of servitude, their lordships are pleased to direct, that the candidate shall have been at sea, either in her Majes ty's navy three complete years, or in the merchant service five years, (two of which in his apprenticeship, and three as mate or inferior mate,) or for combined periods of two years in the Royal navy, and two in the merchant service, or one year in the Royal navy and three in the merchant service; and all candidates, who shall be found qualified agreeably to the provisions of the before-mentioned circular, will be considered eligible to be appointed by their lordships as acting masters assistants. (Signed) JOHN BARROW. STEAM TO AMERICA. We perceive that the long talked of project of communicating with America by steam boats, is at length to be carried into effect. It was supposed, that the Great Western would have been the first vessel to run to New York, but we find that the "Sirius," of 700 tons, and 320 horse power, commanded by Lieut. Roberts, R.N., is to leave the London Docks on the 28th March, and Cork, on the 2nd April, for New York. STEAM BOAT ACCIDENTS.—An accident attended with the loss of five individuals has happened since our last to the "Victoria," a new steam vessel, destined to run between London and Hull. It appears that she was making an experimental trip down the river, with a party of visitors, when one of the boilers burst, producing terror and dismay, and occasioning the above loss of life, with considerable damage besides. The conduct of the captain deserves great praise, the first thing he did being to get his vessel into shoal water, so that in the event of her sinking, she might not assist in filling up the bed of the river and drowning her passengers. STEAM-BOAT ACCIDENTS.-Mr. Editor,-The awful death of the five individuals, arising from the injuries they received by the bursting of the starboard boiler of the "Victoria," steam vessel, induces me to notice, that had her fire places been secured in the manner I suggested, for all steamers, and which appeared in the last number of your valuable journal, the lives of those persons would have been saved, and no confusion have taken place in the engine room by the endeavours to stop the engine &c. Remaining, Sir, your obedient servant, A LOOKER ON. STEAM BOAT DOCKS AT GREENWICH.-A plan it appears, is abroad for constructing wet docks for the embarkation and landing of passengers and goods at Greenwich, or in its neighbourhood, with the view of assisting in the removal of those disasters so common in the upper and crowded part of the river. We wish the project every possible success, and hope the time for its accomplishment may not be far distant. Law Proceedings. THE PERTH (Steamer.)—Collision.-The Perth, belonging to Dundee Company, 399 tons, 300 horse power, 32 men, from London to Dundee, came in collision with the collier brig Ariel, of South Shields, from Newcastle to London, off Orfordness, at seven in the evening of the 4th January, 1837; weather calm, hazy, and foggy. Expense of damage to Ariel 1261.; Perth received little or none. Question, Which vessel to be blamed as producing the collision? Contended, that it lay with the Perth, from going at too great a rate under circumstances of tide and weather; that she took no measures to avoid or lessen the collision; that the Ariel, as soon as she heard the Perth to windward, put about, she being then by the wind on the starboard tack, and expected the steamer to pass to the eastward of her. Ariel hung in stays and crew hailed steamer to put her helm hard-a-port; not noticed; and was struck on starboard quarter by steamer's paddle-beam; steamer proceeded on without noticing collision. Replied for steamer, that all precautions were taken; a bell tolling; a look out kept, and a light shown; light admitted to be seen; not desired to stop engines. Ariel kept no bell nor horn going. Perth not going so fast as usual. Sir John Nichol remarked that steam-vessels, a comparatively new species of navigation, were vessels of great power, and likely to inflict very serious injury on sailing vessels, which the Court was bound to protect as carrying on the coasting trade of the country. Steam-vessels rendering salvage assistance were always well rewarded by the Court; they could be more easily managed than sailing vessels; their course could be more easily altered by the helm, and the engine could be stopped entirely, so as to avoid collision with other vessels. Those who fitted out steamers should be aware that proper precautions should be taken, and due vigilance used, in order that the coasting trade, which the Court was bound to protect, might not suffer. It might have been known in the present case that many vessels lay in the steamers' track; that it was time of tide and state of wind that they would be nearing the coast to anchor, and it did not appear that the Perth altered her usual rate of going, notwithstanding the night was dark and foggy; there was no attempt to stop the engines, which might have been easily done. The Trinity Masters were of opinion that the steamer was bound under the circumstances, to reduce her speed one half, and to have stopped her engines, which would have reduced the shock of collision. The Court pronounced for the claim of Ariel, with costs.-Admiralty Court, 12th Jan. LAING . FOSTER.-An action brought by owner of ship Porcupine, bound for Africa, against her charterer. Alleged, ship did not take in full cargo, did not load within fifty-five running days after her arrival at St. Mary's, and defendant was not paid freight or demurrage. Replied, for defendant: he did not load a full cargo, being always ready to do so, but plaintiff refused to receive it; willing to have shipped cargo, but prevented by plaintiff's default; did not detain ship fifty-five days, and ten days on demurrage; vessel to sail to St. Mary's for timber; went to Gambia, and then up to Ventang Creek for a cargo; sailed 8th March; arrived at St. Mary's 28th March; first timber taken on board 20th April. Witnesses were called, who charged the delay to defendant and not to plaintiff. For defendant, it was stated that captain might have taken larger cargo, but refused; that the ship was not properly furnished; had she been so, might have loaded in a month; prevented loading because ship required caulking, and although she was not full, she was deep enough in the water. Lord Denman stated, the questions which the jury had to decide were, had she taken in a full cargo? if she had, the defendant was entitled to verdict; if she had not, the plaintiff was. Did she load within fifty-five running days from her arrival at St. Mary's, and ten days after, and was she detained by defendant? Whether defendant was ready to load a full cargo, and whether plaintiff had dispensed with shipping that cargo? the vessel had remained ten days over her time, and they must decide whether that delay had been occasioned by plaintiff or defendant? The jury gave their verdict for the plaintiff on all the issues except payment.-Court of Queen's Bench, 24th Feb. THE COLONIST.-Salvage.-Burnt at Mother Bank, (see p. 819, and p. 857,) Case referred to justices of peace at Gosport. Salvors. The smack Lallah Rookh and the cutter Marquis of Anglesey. eventeen persons claimed for having removed the ship from the Mother Bank in a sinking state and on fire, and brought her to Haslar Beach, where fire was extinguished, and remains of cargo landed at Portsmouth. Decided, that the conduct of the salvors had been so praiseworthy and so hazardous, that they were awarded one half of the net produce of the remains of the cargo and wreck. It is said this will amount to about 6001. THE HOPE. Salvage.-The Duke of Roxburgh, of Algoa Bay, on the 29th of July last, from Madras to London, observed a ship to leeward with signal of distress flying. Bore up; proved to be American ship Hope from Canton to New York; cargo valuable; crew at pumps exhausted; vessel sinking; put four men on board; bad weather succeeded; determined to abandon her; tea and other goods of cargo transhipped to Duke of Roxburgh, and ship abandoned; supposed foundered; cargo saved, and brought home; value 7,4651. Complained against salvors, they should |