LIGHTHOUSES ON THE COASTS OF NEW ZEALAND, (REPORT ON THE).

Appendix to the Journals of the House of Representatives, 1873 Session I, H-19

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1873. NEW ZEALAND.

LIGHTHOUSES ON THE COASTS OF NEW ZEALAND, (REPORT ON THE).

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by command of His Excellency.

No. 1. Memorandum by the Hon. Mr. Reynolds. Me. Seed will please request Captain Johnson and Captain Edwin to take into consideration the whole question of Lights on the Coast, and to prepare a comprehensive Plan and Report, showing where thejr would recommend the erection of additional lights, and the transposition of those already existing; the class of each proposed light, and the probable cost of the same in detail. Without desiring to influence their judgment, I may state that my idea is, — 1. That there should be an alteration in the position and class of the present lights in Cook Strait. 2. That the Cape Saunders Lighthouse should be completed ; and it would be a question for consideration whether the light now at Otago Heads could not with advantage be removed there, and a simple harbour light substituted instead. 3. That a light should be placed somewhere in Favorite or Foveaux Strait, western entrance; also one on or near the Snares (Stewart's Island). 4. That a light be placed on one of the islands near Auckland, on the route from San Francisco. I would like to have the report ready on my return to Wellington. Melbourne, 2nd January, 1873. William H. Reynolds.

No. 2. Memoeandum for Secbetaby of Customs. Me. Seed, —As directed in your Minute of 16th January, 1873, we forward herewith the Report on the Lighting of the New Zealand Coast (accompanied by a chart), required by the Hon. tho Commissioner of Customs in his Memorandum dated 2nd January, 1873. R. Johnson, 3rd March, 1873. R. A. Edwin, Commander, R.N.

Enclosure in No. 2. Repobt on the Lighting of tho New Zealand Coast. In drafting the following scheme of lighting the seaboard of tho Colony, we have endeavoured to make it as comprehensive as possible ; and, while it treats existing lights generally as a part of the proposed system, will also admit the placing such future lights as it may be deemed necessary to erect, and at the same time insure that each newly placed light shall he part of one continuous system. In devising such a scheme as we now propose, it is necessary to consider the direction from which the principal foreign trade of the Colony arrives, as by this our opinion as to the position of the more powerful lights should be guided. With the exception of vessels bound to Auckland from North America and the South Sea Islands the whole of the over-sea vessels arrive from the westward ; for it will be found that ships from England' bound to Otago and Canterbury, and possibly also to Napier, first make the Snares Islands, upon which we recommend tho erection of a First-order light, revolving once a minute. This light will also be of great benefit to homeward-bound Australian vessels ; and we believe that the desirability of placing a good light on these islands has been already noticed in Australian newspapers. Vessels from Australia and Tasmania bound to Otago and Canterbury pass through Foveaux Strait. As the weather in this locality is often thick and winter nights are long, wo propose the erection of a First-order light, revolving once in every two minutes, to distinguish it from the Snares (revolving every minute), and from Dog

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Island light, which revolves every half-minute ; probably either Eugged or Centre Island will bo found the most suitable position. As the whole of the English and Australian vessels that trade to "Wellington and Nelson, and sometimes those from Newcastle, N.S.W., bound to Canterbury, pass through Cook Strait and make the land about Cape Farewell, it follows that this Capo is an important site for a light. Wo therefore propose that a First-order light, revolving every two minutes, be erected hereabouts. This period of revolution will distinguish it from the light proposed for Cape Fouiwind, and also from the one already placed on Cape Farewell Spit, where a less powerful light would bo sufficient guide. English and Australian ships bound to Auckland first make the land about Cape Maria Van Dieman; and as an extensive traffic exists and strong currents are experienced in the vicinity of this Cape, we have no hesitation in recommending that a First-order light, flashing every ten seconds, be placed in this important position. Vessels from North America and the South Seas bound to Auckland make the land about the Great Barrier, and as there is an increasing trade between Auckland, Fiji, and other South Sea Islands, we propose that a First-order light, revolving once every minute, showing alternately red and white, bo placed on the Moko Hinou Islands. This light will also be of great value to the coasting trade, as it commands the whole entrance of the Ilauraki Gulf from the northward. The land about Cape Egmont being low, vessels from off sea voyages seldom first make it; but as the position is valuable as a guide to the coasting-trade of the Colony, we consider that a Second-order light will be sufficient. Careful consideration of the various descriptions of illuminating apparatus shows that tho Holophotal Revolving Lights have greater optical range than Fixed Lights. A revolving light of that description and of the Second order has an optical range of twenty-five miles, and costs about £2,200 ; whilst a fixed light of the First order has a range of twenty miles, and costs about £2,9G0. By adopting the revolving light a large saving will be effected in first cost; and as the consumption of oil in Secondorder lights is about 490 gallons annually, whilst that of First-order lights (fixed) is 730, a considerable saving will be obtained in the cost of annual maintenance. Besides these advantages, revolving lights are less liable to be mistaken for either bush fires or a vessel's light; and for these reasons we do not hesitate in recommending tho adoption of tho Holophotal Revolving Light as the coastal light of the Colony. With the exception of places already mentioned as being the first land made by vessels from long sea voyages, tho erection of the expensive First-order light will not be required; while for marking the prominent points on the coast tho Second or Third-order lights will be found amply sufficient. At entrances to harbours and roadsteads we propose, with few exceptions, the erection of Fixed Lights, as by their uniform character they enable the steamer to take bearings at any moment; whilst in narrow waters, which is a matter of great importance, these lights may be the more readily adopted in these positions, as the range of light in such situations is generally less than that of open-sea lights. From the great loss of power attendant upon the use of coloured lights, they should only be used in positions where distinction would be otherwise difficult. Part I. of the accompanying list shows the localities at which we have proposed the erection of First-order lights ; and we propose that Second or Third-order lights be placed at the several prominent coastal positions shown in Part 11. Examination of this list will show that the total number of coastal lights proposed in this scheme is twenty-seven, including those already erected. The Three Kings Islands have boon frequently mentioned as a good position fbr a light, but we have given tho preference to Cape Maria Van Dieman, on account of its being the point most in the direct course of English and Colonial vessels bound round the north end of the Island. The southern end of Stewart's Island would also appear to be a good position, but a light placed there would cause vessels to pass within dangerous proximity to the Trap Bocks; we have therefore decided to recommend the Snares Islands, as a light placed on them will have the effect of drawing vessels away from the above-mentioned dangers, and, as already stated, will be of great use to home-ward-bound vessels from Australia. In the annexed list will be found tho positions at which we recommend the erection of Harbour and Coast Lights, i.e. those that show seaward as well as denote the entrances to ports and roadsteads, and are thus of considerable, though but secondary, assistance to the general navigation of the coast. Additional lights may bo added from time to time, due attention being paid to character, colour, and power. The lights proposed for Hokianga, Kaipara, and Manukau are of power sufficient to illuminate that part of the coast, without the erection of special coastal lights of higher order. With reference to the transposition of lights, mentioned in the Memorandum of the Hon. the Commissioner of Customs, we are of opinion that, after the erection of the proposed First-order light on Cape Farewell, the illuminating apparatus of the light now on the Sandspit end, which would suit better at a higher elevation, could be removed elsewhere, and one of the Fourth order, that would be visible the same distance of seventeen miles, and cost less in maintenance, could be placed in its stead. As we believe that Mana Island Light is, from its great elevation, frequently obscured, and as the optical range of this light is only eighteen miles in a mean state of the atmosphere, although, from its elevated situation, it can now be seen twenty-nine miles in clear weather, we consider that, if a suitable position can be found, the light might be shifted lower down with advantage. After the erection of the proposed First-order light at the western entrance to Foveaux Strait, the light on Dog Island will become a subsidiary light, as already l'emarked in the case of Farewell Spit; with this difference, that a Third-order light, with an optical range of twenty-one miles, will be found sufficient, instead of the powerful apparatus now in use, which, though it has a great optical range, yet, from its low elevation, can only be seen eighteen miles, and thus would be evidently of greater efficiency in a more prominent position. When the proposed light for Cape Saunders is erected, a Sixth-order white light will be sufficient to mark the entrance of Otago Harbour; and the present illuminating apparatus of the Third-order

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(red) could be removed to Tory Channel entrance, where a light of this order and description is much required, and will complete the lighting of this portion of Cook Strait. If a light be placed on Cape Kidnappers, tho light lately ordered for Napier Bluff will bo unnecessarily powerful for that site. We may here remark that the necessity for these alterations seems to us to have arisen from tho want of following some such general system as is now proposed. We recommend that in all future lights, lamps to burn Petroleum oil in lieu of Colza be supplied to the illuminating apparatus: this will result ia a great saving in the annual cost of each light, without any diminution of power; and at ports where only small lights are necessary, the harbour master could attend to them without assistance. We are unable to give more than the cost of the lantern and apparatus delivered in New Zealand, as the total cost of erection will depend upon the accessibility of the sites proposed, the whole of which we recommend should be carefully surveyed before any further steps bo taken, as it may be found upon examination that in some instances an adjacent locality may bo found more suitable than the site now proposed, accessibility of position greatly affecting both the cost of erection and that of maintenance. It is of importance that, where it is practicable, lights should be placed seaward of a danger ; that they should show all round seaward; that their elevation should not exceed 200 feet unless unavoidable; and that lighthouses should always bo coloured so as to present the greatest contrast with the background. Accompanying this report, we beg to forward a chart, shewing in colours the various lights proposed, and their situation, as well as the position of those already erected. La considering this question of Lighting the Coast and Harbours of the Colony, we have been guided in our decisions by the information derived from careful perusal of Mr. Alan Stephenson's "Rudimentary Treatise on Lighthouses, &c.;" Messrs. Chance Brothers and Co.'s Tariff of Dioptric Apparatus ; and the Report of the Royal Commission appointed to inquire into the Management of Light Buoys and Beacons, 1861. R. Johnson. R. A. Edwin, 3rd April, 1873. Commander, R.N.

LIST OF PROPOSED COASTAL LIGHTS.

'ART No. Name of Place. Description of Light. Cost of Apparatus and Lantern landed in New Zealand. Remarks. 1 2 Cape Maria Tan Dieman jMoko Ilinou Islands, llauraki Gulf Cape Farewell Bugged Island, Foveaux Strait Snares Islands Nugget Point Dog Island Flashing: white, every ten seconds Revolving: red and white, every minuto £ 3,550 3,450 An important position. 4 Revolving : white, every two minutes ... Revolving: white, every two minutes ... 3,450 3,450 5 0 7 Revolving : white, every minute Fixed : wliito Revolving: white, every half-minuto 3,450 Already erected. Already erected. Part II. 8 9 10 11 Capo Saunder9 ... Banks Peninsula, Flat Point Capo Campbell ... Capo Palliser Revolving: white, every minute ... Revolving : white, every minute ... Revolving: white, every minute ... Revolving : white, every two and a half minutes Revolving: white, overy half-minute Revolving: white, every two minutes ... 2,350 2,350 2,350 Already erected. 12 13 Capo Kidnappers Portland Island 1,550 2,350 Third order. Probably with red sector showing over the Bull Bock. 14 16 16 17 18 East Cape Island Motiti Island, Bay of Plenty Cuvier Island Tiri Tiri Sandspit, Firth of Thames Revolving: white, every minute ... Flashing: white, every ten seconds Revolving: white, every half minute Fixed : white Fixed: red and white 2,350 1,550 2,350 Third order. Already erected. Sixth order : erected by Provincial Government, Auckland. 19 20 21 22 88 24 Cape Brett North Cape Grannet Island ... Capo Egmont Mana Island Cape Farewell Sandspit... Revolving : white, overy two minutes Revolving : white, every minute ... Revolving: white, every minute ... Revolving: white, every half-minute Fixed : white Revolving : white, every minute ... 2,350 2,350 1,550 2,350 Third order. Already erected. Already erected: red sector over Sandspit end. 28 86 27 Capo Foulwind ... Cascade Point Chalky Island, Dusky Bay Revolving: white, every minute ... Revolving: white, every two minutes ... Revolving: white, every half-minuto 2,350 I 2,350 2,350

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LIST of HARBOUR and COAST LIGHTS PROPOSED.

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No. IS amc of Place. Description of Light. Order. Cost of Apparatus and Lantern, landed in New Zealand. Remarks. Tairoa Head, Otago entrance Fixed: white 6th £ 400 After the erection of the Cape Saunders Light it is proposed to substitute this for the present Third-order red light. To distinguish it from railway lights, and also from Timaru Lights. Will also be useful as a coast light. Mocraki Flashing : white, every ten seconds 5th 550 3 4 5 6 1 8 Oamaru Timaru Akaroa Godley Head Kaikoura Pencarrow Dead, Wellington Harbour Castle Point Fixed: red Fixed : red Fixed: white Fixed: white Fixed: white Fixed: white Signal Signal 2nd Signal 2nd 50 '"to '"50 Already erected. Already erected. Already erected. 9 Flashing: white, every ten seconds Fixed: white Fixed: white Fixed: white Fixed: white Fixed: white Fixed: white Fixed: white 5th 550 A very useful coastal light. 10 11 12 13 u 15 1G Napier Poverty Bay Tauranga Grahamstown Wangarei Russell, Bay of Islands Wangaroa, Stephen's Island 4th Signal Signal "50 50 Already erected. Already erected. Signal Signal 6th 50 70 400 May require a red sector. At present not much required, but will show the entrance of a most secure harbour. 17 IS 19 Mongonui Hokianga Kaipara Fixed: red Fixed: white Revolving: white, every two minutes Fixed: white Signal 3rd 3rd 50 1,250 1,550 Also serviceable as a coast light. Also serviceable as a coast light. 20 Manukau (on Faratutai) Waikato Taranaki Wanganui Tory Channel 3rd 1,250 Ordered. 21 22 88 21 Fixed: red Fixed: white Fixed: white Fixed: red 6th Signal 400 50 Already erected. From Tairoa Head. Will bo a useful coast light. Already erected. Has red sector over entrance. Already erected. Already erected. Already erected. 3rd 25 86 27 88 29 Nelson Westport Greymouth Hokitika Bluff Harbour Fixed: white and red Fixed Fixed Fixed Fixed 4th 'rice 3d. By Authority : Geobge DmsBUBY, Government Printer, Wellington.—1873.