SIGNAL STATION AT LYTTELTON

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25304, 2 October 1947, Page 3

SIGNAL STATION AT LYTTELTON

MOVE TO GLADSTONE PIER PROPOSED new equipment may be bought AdrfJrU? o^? 1 the signal station at Adderley Head be transferred to Gladstone Sher, put forward by the harrnni^f St H r ’ 9 aptain A - E- Chrisp, was tha S T de +f at a meeting yesterday of H a rb our Board, which decided to refer the scheme to tHfe staff committee for further consideration captain Chrisp said that the board had approved the transfer of the station to Godley Head, but if it was changed to the Gladstone Pier a superior service could be given shipP mg - It would be necessary for the board to acquire a pilot launch, properly equipped with wireless, radio telephony, and radio direction-finding apparatus. The launch would be on station when a vessel was due to arrive and would remain on station until it arrived. The new signal station at Gladstone Pier would have to oe equipped with wireless and radio teleenable it to keep in touch with the pilot launch and the tug, which would be similarly equipped. “The proposal was placed before a meeting of marine superintendents at Wellington on September 5, and the superintendents were unanimous that such a change would be a distinct improvement on the method at present in force at Lyttelton,” Captain Chrisp said.

Treasurer’s Report Referring to Captain Chrisp’s proposal, the treasurer, Mr A. L. Burk, said in his report that at least one new house would have to be built, and extensive repairs could not be delayed b longer, if the station remained at Adderley Head. If it was transferred to Godley Head, four new houses would have to be built and provision would have to be made for a relieving signalman. The houses, together with a new look-out, would involve the board in a capital outlay of at least £12,000. “The recommendation is that better results can be obtained by the acquisition of a pilot launch and the erection of a look-out tower on Gladstone Pier. If this is so, further expenditure at Adderley Head or Godley Head cannot be justified,” Mr Burk said. “The board, however, will require to purchase the new equipment mentioned by Captain Chrisp, and, in view of the recent amendments to awards, annual running expenses will be rather greater than was stated in my report of last January. The issue to be decided is whether such an expenditure is justified in modernising the signalling, towage, and pilotage services of the port. In view of the improvements which will be brought about, I think there is ample justification for such expenditure.” The proposal was too big a thing to be decided at the meeting, said Mr R. E. Cairns, when the reports were discussed. A committee should examine the suggestion thoroughly and report back to the board.

The matter was a big one, and to ask the board to put it to a vote that day was not a fair thing, said Mr Burk. The reports outlined the broad principles- of the proposals. The staff would be affected in many ways, and it would not do any harm to send the proposals back to the staff committee.

Station “Ont of Date” “The heads signalling station to-day is manual, and in a heavy fog you know its value,” Mr Burk said. “It is out ,of date. It is a big issue, and we would like to see everyone satisfied before anything is done.” Mr F. W. Freeman asked how the proposal would affect the breakwater in the new harbour scheme. * The proposed tower would be on the elbow of Gladstone Pier, Mr Burk said., Mr T. H. McCombs, M.P., asked if the tower could not be put on reclaimed land. Mr Burk: That could be considered, too. From the elbow of the pier there was a good view all round the harbour, said Captain Chrisp. Mr McCombs suggested that a radar plant could be installed, to give ships their bearing and distance. “The tugs and the pilot launch if acquired, will be fitted with radio direc-tion-finding equipment, from which ships can obtain bearings and distances,” Mr Burk said. “The new look-out tower will also be equipped with wireless and radio telephony.” It was then decided to refer the proposal to the staff committee.