NORTHERN COASTS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1049, 11 February 1911, Page 6

NORTHERN COASTS.

« :— DANGERS TO NAVIGATION. •AN IMPORTANT REPORT. (By Teleerapb.-Spcclal Correspondent.). Auckland, February 10. The Chamber of Commerce recently appointed a conference to take evidence regarding tho dangers of tho northern coasts. Tho conference presented a report as follows:— "A considerable volume of expert cvidenco of master mariners and shipowners was taken. In many cases tho witnesses wero prominent and responsible mariners, whoso cxperienco extended over a period of 30 to 50 years. Tho cvidenco also of some of tho most prominent rrion trading in and.out of the port of Auckland to-day was at our disposal. Wo find as follows: — "Mokohinau Lighthouse.—That the expert evidence adduced at tho _ conference conclusively proves tho wisdom of tho courso adopted by tho Marino Department in deciding to retain Mokohinau Lighthouso upon its present site,' tho announcement of which was made under date of January 24, 1911. ".Thrco Kings Light.—That tho erection in tho interests, not only of Now Zealand shipping, 'but of shipping generally, of a light and foghorns at the Three iiings is absolutely essential. Tho evidence established beyond doubt tho fact that/tho Three Kings, unlightod and beset by dangerous and treacherous currents, constitute a danger of considerable magnitude. Tho evidence regarding tho Thrco Kings was unanimous. "* "Whangarei Light.—That, in tho'interests of coastal shipping in and out of Whangarei, it is desirable that a suitable light to bo erected on Busby Head.. "A careful perusal of tho ovidenco disclosed tho fact that tho northern part of tho New Zealand coast is very sparsely lighted, and wo therefore feel it our duty to avail ourselves of this opportunity to make tho following recommendations: — , , "(a) That an explosive signal bo attached to the lighthouso at Capo Brett. "(b) That a light and fog signal bo erected on tho North Cano in addition to tho light at Three Kings." . Tho report.was adopted, and it was resolved to forward tho report to the council of tho Auckland Chamber of Commerce, with a request that it be conveyed by that body, together with a codv of tlio evidence, to tho Minister for Marino. ■