CAPE EGMONT LIGHT

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 117, 13 November 1929, Page 13

CAPE EGMONT LIGHT

TO BE REPLACED

AFTER 48 YEARS

.The Marino Department advises that the Government lighthouse expert, Mr. W. A. Fraser, is leaving shortly to install an automatic flashing light at Cape Egmoiit in place of the present fixed light which has been in operation since 1881.

The present Cape Egmont light was originally.installed on Mana Island, and was erected there prior to 1866. In 1872 the loss of the ship City of Newcastle was attributed to the fact that Mana light was confused with Penearrow, and later similar circumstances were supposed to exist with the wreck of the Cyrus. When the Brothers lighthouse was first put into commission, on the night of 24th September, 1877, the light at Mana Island was extinguished. In 1881 the Mana lighthouse, which consisted of an iron tower 53ft high and weighing 90 tons, was dismantled and transferred to Cape Egmont by the Government steamer Hiriemoa. It was re-erected on its new site without mishap of any kind, and was exhibited on Ist August, 1881.

The site for the Cape Egniont light was selected as far back as 1874, but owing to the dissatisfaction of the Natives living near that part of the coast, it was found impracticable to proceed with the erection of a lighthouse. On the establishment of military posts, and the .occupation of the country in the vicinity of Cape Egmont, all clianco of serious opposition by the Natives was removed, and the Government at once gave directions for the erection of the lighthouse to be proceeded with.

Although the old Mana light has become obsolete, the iron tower is still in excellent condition, and will be used to shelter the new automatic, un- . watched, group-flashing light which will be put into operation on.9thPecember. During the period 25th . November to Sth December (both inclusive) the existing light will be "discontinued and a temporary fixed light, which is expected to be visible from ten miles, will be exhibited. . " ■ •