SIGNALLING STEAMERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7029, 18 January 1910, Page 3

SIGNALLING STEAMERS

RISK OF ACCIDENT AVOIDED.

THE MORSE SYSTEM.

“The system for signalling steamers on arrival to their . -berths at the wharves during tho night by the use of coloured lights has been in OP 6 ™* 1 ™ 1 for some months,” says the harbourmaster, Captain H. Johnson, in ins annual report. “ The lights are so arranged that the wharf and number of the'berth is given at the same time. This is in keeping with the day signals which are given by flags, and readily understood without any possibility of mistake in giving the signal or in reading it. Mr James Maichhanks, the board’s engineer, kindly issued the signals both day and night in book form, and shipmasters find it exceedingly handy for use on the bridge. The system has proved a success and a great convenience. It has reduced the risk of accident iyhen berthing, and is a saving of time and labour, bringing the port into a much greater' state of efficiency with regard to berthing the vessels during the night. Up to the present, I believe no other port in ; the .Dominion possesses such an efficient system. THE MORSE SYSTEM.

The Mors© system of signalling has been installed at Beacon Hill Signal Station, situated on the western side of the harbour, and commanding the approach to the entrance. A watch is kept day and night. The station is connected, through tho public telephone exchange, with the city, and vessels wishing to communicate during the night can do so without entering the harbour. The signal tower on the Queen’s Wharf, Lambto-n harbour, also carries a Mors© signal lamp, and any vessels arriving, or in the anchorage, and desiring to communicate, can depend on their message being received and delivered, as the men in charge ore experts in the-use of the system. “ I may say that shipmasters appreciate the board’s action in bringing the system into uso_ at this port, and since its inauguration the constant uso of the signals is ample evidence of its convenience and usefulness to tho shipping, and people in connection with the shipping. Great credit is dun to the signalmen at both these stations for the manner in Which they have applied themselves in acquiring an accurate knowledge of this particular system in the short time of three months without any outside tuition.”

Captain Johnson also states that the men chosen from the hoard’s staff to work the rocket life-saving apparatus have received practical instruction in using it. The appliance and gear have been kept in,good order and ready for immediate use.