Lighthouse men want inquiry into automation

Press, 15 July 1980, Page 2

Lighthouse men want inquiry into automation

NZPA Wellington Lighthouse keepers from throughout New Zealand went to Parliament yesterday to ask the Government to reconsider its decision to automate the service, which would put them out of their jobs by 1986. Led by Mr D. H. Thorp, chairman of the Public Service Association, about 10 keepers asked the Minister of State Services (Mr Thompson) and the Minister of Transport (Mr McLachlan) for a public inquiry. They had asked for the inquiry so that the implications of the Government’s decision to “de-man the lights” within six years could be made public, Mr Thorp said after the meeting. Their request for an inquiry was rejected. The association was told it could have further discussions with the State Services Commission and other Government departments. But Mr Thorp said the association seriously questioned the economic aspects of the decision. “We believe that the i 5600,000 annual sav-

ing they are talking about is highly questionable,” he said. The cost of the automatic equipment was high. It was all imported, which meant the use of precious overseas funds. Existing equipment at most of'the stations did not need replacement in the near future' '

Of particular concern to the lighthouse keepers are five -lighthouses due-, io lose their keepers by 1983. Two of these, at Portland Island (Mahia Peninsula), and Puyseguer Point (Fiordland) are to be fully automated by November this year.