KING ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LI, Issue 5589, 23 January 1879, Page 5

KING ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE.

The following particulars regarding this work, are from the Hobart Town Mercury of Jan. 2: — The lighthouse on King Island in Bass’ Straits, now in course of erection, is another of those beacons which are supported by the contributions of tho colonies bordering upon tho channel, while they are placed under tho direction of tho Tasmanian authorities. King Island is situate at the west entrance of the Straits, and has already one lighthouse ou its shores at tho northern extremity, Wickham Point. This, however, has proved to be insufficient, as it is not visible for more than an inconsiderable distance down both tho eastern and western coasts. Tho western shore in particular is described as a low, treacherous, and rocky coast, and the charts on which the disasters and wrecks upon it are marked is an appalling sight, a largo number of Colonial-bound vessels having there met their fate, the catastrophes being attended with considerable loss of life, in one ease ti t lives having been sacrificed. Tho now light is to bo placed at Currie Harbour, half ■ way down tho west coast, where the northern light is not visible, anil to which vessels have been carried in the past by tho strong current running in tho entrance of tho Straits. Of late years, vessels, rather than risk the fatal contact with those inhospitable shores, have kept close to (ho Australian coast, though suoh a proceeding was almost equally dangerous. It was in such a course of action that tho ill-fated Loch Ard, with her immense human freight, became such a total wreck last year. A report has just been received by the Government from Rear-Admiral Barnard, who proceeded by their instructions to Melbourne on Nov. 21 to confer with llio In-spoctor-Oouorol of Public Works in victoria, with respect to the transfer of it upon its completion to the Tasmanian Government. lie learned that the buildings m connection with the lighthouse are being erected by the Victorian Public Works Department, and that it is likely to be fulli equipped and ready in all respects to be opened during tho present year. The dwcli ling houses and other buildings at# all in

course of erection, and when they are comple ed, the iron tower for the lantern, the lantern itself an*! lighting apparatus, will a , * eM . t < ? vor m a Government steam vessel, the whole being, in all probability, ready by March next, it was suggested that an officer s.iould be appointed by the Tasmanian Government at once, to proceed to take charge of the establishment and its maintenance, and Admiral Barnard accordingly in his report hopes that notice will bo at once given for making theso necessary arrangements. No provision has as yet been made for the necessary supply of oil for the year, but it is believed that the Government stores in Melbourne will he able to spare a sufficient quantity for that time. All tho buildings are being constructed of brick, cemented on the outside, and are enclosed by strong fences. ' The iasmanian Parli-urient has not yet voted tho necessary money for tho construction and maintenance. ' The total cost is estimated at £IO,OOO, of which our share is £IOO3. Considering, however, tho importance of tho provision, it is not likely t! at any obstacle will bo placed in the way of the vote. J