Original Correspondence.

Wellington Independent, Volume XVII, Issue 1781, 21 October 1862, Page 3

Original Correspondence.

( To Ike Editor of the Wellington Independent.) Sir, — Some years when the wreck of the Dunbar paralysed the population of Sydney, from the immense loss of life at their own doorstep, as you may say ; it Was then found that one light was not sufficient to point out the entrance to that magnih'cient harbour, from its position being too high and not JiHcernible in thick weather. A thing to be borne in mind, when the lighthouses are built in New Zealand; i.e., thick weather clears up from the surface of the earth. lam glad to see, that Capts. Pole and Eenner have sounded the warning note, which 'ought to be taken up to the echo, by every shipmaster navigating these seas : as their character is at stake upon the fivst mishap, no matter how zealous they may have been before. The present and future gold, fields in New Zealand have and will attract | for. years, a large fleet of vessels, and to prevent disaster and loss of life, it is incumbent upon the Government both Provincial and Geueral, to see to the safety of their highways, by proper beacons and of which lighthouses are the most conspicuous. [ Where lights placed on Stephen's Island and on Jackson's Head, Queen Charlotte's Sound, together with, the one on Pencarrow Head, Cook'a Strait, might then be navigated with every safety and confidence, instead of being the bug bear it is to nautical men. A light on Jackson's Head being easily accessible for supplies, &c, would guide ships clear of Cook's Rock, and would enable ships to lead clear through the gut both ways, as well as serve for a guide to Guard's Bay and the Sound, and would be the most useful light in the Straits. Had the good people of Otago had an eye to their welfare and the prestige of their harbours and coasts, we should not have heard so much outcry about the dangers of the New River, Bluff. &c. A lighthouse on Rouabouki, would hay c shewn a clear way through, between that and Foly Rock (and Waipapa Point, which is always to be avoided) and would have, prevented Capt. McLean with his fine steamer the Aldinga in his endeavours to clear Scylla falling into Charybdis. This again is the most dangerous part of Foveaux Straits, and as it is the greatest highway to their metropolis, I trust I shall not offend them, by throwing out this hint for their approval. G. H. Wilson, Late master of the steamers Queen and White Swan.