THE LIGHTHOUSE QUESTION.

Taranaki Herald, Volume 18, Issue 13892, 18 February 1909, Page 5

THE LIGHTHOUSE QUESTION.

WELLINGTON, Feb. 17. The Penguin's wreck near Cape Tejrawhiti, one of a long list of marine disasters near, that dangerous spot, is causing a rfvival of an agitation for a lighthouse there, but official opinion is evidently against the proposal. The Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister of Marine, informed a press representative that, in his opinion/there was no need for a light at Terawhiti. It would only be confusing to seamen, for the spot was already well lighted. The Brothers light covered the whole of that side pf the coast, and there was <also Ppncarrow. "The Brothers light is right in the centre of the Straits," continued Mr. Millar, ;and will serve for Terawhiti, the sounds and the West. Coast —Lin fact, everything going east or west. It is only eight miles from The Brothers to Terawhiti, but the range of the light is eighteen miles. I have seen Cape Farewell, The Brothers, and Pencarrow lights at one time, and this can be seen on any clear- night in a particular part of the Straits." It was explained bvithe Minister that the light formerly placed on Mana Island was found to be too much inside and The Brothers light took its place. If seamen stood out for that mark they cleared everything. Every year the Marine Department endeavours to erect, a new coastal light. At present Cape Brett is being provided with this muchneeded light facility for mariners, and

"the light wilF probably'beam over the Pacific in June. The Minister was askod what part of the coast would next receive attention, and replied that it would be the long unlighted stretch between Palliser Bay and Portland Island on the East Coast. "Except for the Napier harbour light, which is only seen wh^n you are upon Cape Kidnappers and is not visible beyond ten miles, there is nothing between those points," said Mr. Millar. "There is*a lot of broken ground for some^ distance off the land, and I hope to have it lighted in due course."