FOR THE NAVIGATOR.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16566, 2 June 1914, Page 11

FOR THE NAVIGATOR.

WHISTLING BUOY AT GODLEY HEAD. ' Some months ago the Lyttelton Harbour Board decided to purchase a submarine signalling apparatus, which it was intended should be placed at a suitable spot about a mile off Godley Head. Tlio apparatus has now come to hand by the Tainui, and should bo installed in the course of a few weeks. Tho mechanism, which consists of a large gas accumulator, with tripod attached, weighs about eleven tons, and is built to carry out threefold duties it necessary, but for some time, at any rate, its work of the Lyttelton Heads ■will be confined to whistling and lightThe buoy has been secured 'chiefly for uso in foggy weather, when steamers experience much difficulty m making port owing to tho Godley Head light being obscured. By the action of the waves air will bo forced through tubes, and the only outlet for it will be through a powerful whistle, which will blow continuously, and thus prove a warning to the navigator in tho vicinity of the port. The tower of the buoy will stand about sixteen feet above tho water, and at night a powerful occulting light will warn navigators. In fine weather the light will bo visible for a distance of about, seven miles. The gas, which is supplied- by liquid acetylene, will bo stored iu tho largo accumulator. This accumulator is capable of holding abofit four months’ supply. . . At a later date, when tho majority of tho vessels trading on this const are fitted with the submarine signalling receivers, the. Lyttelton Harbour Board expects to instal a submarine boll in the buoy.