THE THREE KINGS

Evening Star, Issue 15478, 28 April 1914, Page 10

THE THREE KINGS

MINISTER AND SHIPMASTERS. “We are up against the biggest lighting proposition south of the Line,” said the Hon. F. M. B. Fisher (Minister of Marine) to a reporter when asked at Christchurch yesterday as to the progress being made in the matter of the erection of a lighthouse on one of the Three Kings. The shipmasters of Auckland were very anxious that he should agree to the erection of a light that would cost .£30,000 and would stand at a height of I,oooft above sea level, on what was known as the Big King, situated five miles east of Danger Point. He (Mr Fisher) objected to the proposed expenditure, especially for a light in the position mentioned, until the department was advised as to the most up-to-date methods possible for securing the safety of passing vessels. The public, in considering the matter, ought not to overlook the fact that a light on the Western King would not have saved the steamship Elingamite, which struck at 10 o’clock in the morning. “My objection to being forced into this very high expenditure for doubtful means of securing safety,” Mr Fisher added, “is based on the knowledge that the real danger at the Three Kings is due to fog, and that the probability of a mariner sighting a light seven miles away at a height of I,oooft in a thick fog is so remote that such a light is more apt to become a source of danger than of safety in thick weather.. It is possible that a mariner might stand in to look for the light and strike danger. I have received a good deal of information regarding the wireless compass which is now' being installed on all classes of vessels at Home, from the largest liners down to fishing smacks. It enables a vessel to fix her position no matter how rough the sea is or how dense the fog. If this method should prove satisfactory we can put up a wireless station in the North for one-sixth of the cost of the proposed light. Such a wireless station would not only keep in touch with vessels at all hours, but would prove of commercial benefit/’ .