THREE KINGS LIGHT.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 57, 7 March 1913, Page 6

THREE KINGS LIGHT.

MUST BE ON SUMMIT. TO BE EFFECTIVE. SHIPMASTERS' OPINION. Captains Ross and Hood, who have been closely identified with the agitation for a light at the Three Kings as representatives of the shipmasters trading between Australia and New Zealand, both expressed their regret to an interviewer this morning at Mr. Allport's contention respecting the most suitable elevation for a first-class light on the Big King. "I am sorry," said Captain Ross, "that Mr. Allport differs so much in opinion from that of the 44 shipmasters who were emphatic that the best and only position for the light was the summit of the island, a height of 900 ft. This would give a first-class light a radius all round of 34 miles, whereas a light at the 350 ft elevation would only be a warning for part of the dangers, and would be visible for only 23 miles. So far from agreeing with Mr. Allport on the question of obscurity by fog, shipmasters in the trade declare that fog is much more likely to obstruct the light at the lower level."

''We are of an opinion," said Captain Hood, "that the Minister for Marine will fully support the emphatic voice of the shipmasters who spoke from long experience in expressing their views respecting the lighting of the Three Kings when requested by him to do so."

Another point upon which Captains Ross and Hood are emphatic is on the question of the suggested contribution from the Federal Government. They expressed a decided opinion that unless the light is placed on the summit the New Zealand Government will receive no assistance from the Federal Government, as the light on the proposed 350 ft elevation would be of absolutely no use to vessels passing to and fro between Australia and America.