RADIO BEACONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23123, 23 August 1938, Page 8

RADIO BEACONS

GUIDES IN THE GULF WORK TO COMMENCE CUVIER AND MOKO HINAIJ VALUE TO NAVIGATION To provide assistance in the navigation of the approaches to the Hauraki Gulf, the construction of radio beacons at Cuvier Island and Moko Hinau Island will be begun almost immediately. Sufficient material for tho preparatory work on tho beacons has now been received and will be taken to tho two islands by the Government lighthouso steamer Matai. Tho Matai, which left Auckland yesterday on a visit to tho North, will return next week to load tho first shipment for Cuvier Island. In tho past, masters of overseas shipping have frequently reported difficulty in entering Auckland in thick weather and it is considered that tho installation of the beacons on tho two islands, described as the "eyes" of tho gulf, will prove of great value as directionfinding guides. Voyages with Equipment Several voyages will be made out of Auckland in tho next month by the Matai. When she returns from the North next week sho will take material for tho construction of a power-house and other equipment sufficient for a start to be made at Cuvier Island. Another journey will then bo made from Auckland to Moko Hinau with similar equipment. A considerable amount of gear, including generating apparatus and towers for both beacons, has j'et to arrive from overseas. Preliminary work will take several months and the remainder of the equipment should then bo at hand. Parties of Public Works Department employees will be carried to the islands by the Matai. The resident engineer at Auckland, Mr. T. C. V. Rabone, stated yesterday that arrangements are being made for comfortable accommodation for men on both islands, where temporary wireless installations will be made to enable contact to be maintained with Auckland. Work at Lighthouse A considerable amount of work will be carried out with Public Works Department assistance at Cape Maria van Diemen in, tho next few weeks. A crane will bo loaded on the Matai at Auckland to replace an old one at the lighthouse, where it will be used for lifting stores and equipment from the Matai. In addition, a new cable stretching 1200 ft. from the mainland to the lighthouse will also be fitted. At present the cable is used only for the transfer of materials, but the new one will carry a cage for the uso of passengers as well as goods. A new keeper for the Capo Maria van Diemen lighthouse. Mr. W. lait, left Auckland by the Matai yesterday.