tin, this I inserted in the seam with the result that it went clear in to a depth of eight inches. Still keeping the tin inserted, I found I could carry it along the edge of the plate for a distance of eighteen inches. I then went and brought Captain Miles down to see for himself. He said he felt very glad that I had discovered the cause of the leak, and desired me to leave the knife and tin sticking in the aperture until he telephoned for the surveyors to come from Melbourne. On being sent for Mr. Watson did not come, but Mr. McLean, the Marine Board Surveyor, came down to Williamstown, and on his arrival he at once acknowledged that the whole mystery had been solved. He thanked me for pointing the matter out, and stated that everything would have to be done to make the ship sea-worthy before she was allowed to proceed to sea. During the past nineteen years I have been engineer on board some of the largest steamers afloat, and have also superintended the building of a number of these ships, and it is not pleasant, after my experience, to have my competency questioned in the offensive manner in which it has been. The above statement is, to the best of my belief and knowledge, true in every particular. And I make this solemn declaration, conscientiously believing the same to be true, and by virtue of the provisions of an Act of Parliament of Victoria rendering persons making a false declaration punishable for wilful and corrupt perjury.” Robert Barclay, Chief Engineer. Taken at Williamstown this 29th day of November, 1895, before me, J. A. Reid, J.P. As a sequel to the foregoing it may not be out of place to give the subjoined extract from the proceedings of the Marine Board, as reported in the _Argus_ of November 30, 1895:— “The steamer _Ethiope_, having returned to port in a leaking condition, was detained for repairs, and was to be examined on November 30 before receiving the permission of the board’s engineer to proceed to sea. Captain Clark stated that he heard a rumour that since the vessel had left the dock she was leaking worse than ever. Mr. McLean, the board’s engineer, said there was no foundation for the report, and it arose from the fact that the water which was in the vessel ran aft as her trim was altered. He had given great attention to the pumps and bilges and was satisfied that she was now quite dry and watertight. His report was adopted.” [Illustration: SUPREME COURT BUILDINGS, MELBOURNE. Containing eight Halls of Justice.]