J.—s

1873. NEW ZEALAND.

PETITION FOR A LIGHTHOUSE ON CAPE WANBROW.

Presented Ist September, 1873, and ordered to be printed.

To the Honourable the House of Eepresentatives of the Colony of New Zealand. The Petition of the undeesigned Meechants, Teadees, and Othees, eesident in the Town AND DISTEICT OF OaMAEU, IN THE PeOVINCE OF OIAGO, SIIOWETH, — That it is necessary that a Lighthouse be erected on Cape Wanbrow, at Oamaru. That from the statistics stated below, it will be apparent to your honourable House that the Port of Oamaru is an important port of the Colony, and that the erection of such Lighthouse would be beneficial to all vessels sailing on the eastern coast of the South Island. That on the extension of the harbour works now in course of construction at the said Port of Oamaru, the exports and imports of the said port will be enormously increased by the export of Oamaru stone (which cannot now be shipped or landed) and other articles. That the erection of a Lighthouse would be of the utmost service to vessels and steamers passing along the coast (especially during South-west gales), by enabling such vessels to ascertain their exact position, to travel in smooth and comparatively safe water instead of in the heavy sea outside, to pass in safety Fish Eeef and Danger Eeef (where several wrecks have taken place), and to seek shelter in the aforesaid port and other neighbouring ports. That tho proposed Lighthouse would, be placed in one of the most commanding positions on the coast, at such an elevation and in such a position that the light would be visible for many miles, from all quarters of the compass, and would be a great boon not only to vessels frequenting the Port of Oamaru, but also to vessels wishing to make the Ports of Timaru, Moeraki, Dunedin, and other ports on the coast. That no other Lighthouse is situate within forty-two miles of the Port of Oamaru, and no other position is equally eligible or necessary as the site for a Lighthouse within a great distance thereof. That during the night many steamers and vessels (including vessels and steamers from Melbourne and various other ports in Australia), owing to the want of a Lighthouse on Cape Wanbrow, being unable to ascertain their exact position, or to approach the coast, pass the Port of Oamaru or other ports, thereby causing serious loss of time, and delay in obtaining despatch, and incurring great loss and delay to shipowners and merchants, and often losing the advantage of favourable winds for many days. That during the year ending 30th June, 1573, the following have been the statistics of the Port of Oamaru, as obtained from the Officer of Customs resident at the said port, namely: — Vessels. Tons. Inwards ... ... ... ... 212 29,910 Outwards ... ... ... ... 210 29,551 Number of bales of wool shipped during the same period, 9,477. And that owing to the facilities for shipment of the building stone (for which the district is celebrated), grain, and other goods, which will be shortly afforded by the extension of the harbour works now in progress, and the rapidly increasing population of the Oamaru District, the trade of the said port will shortly be increased to an enormous extent, and probably more than doubled. Tour Petitioners therefore pray that your honourable House will take such steps as may lead to the erection of a suitable Lighthouse on Cape Wanbrow, and may grant such other relief in the premises as to your honourable House may seem fit. And your Petitioners will ever pray, &c. [Here follow 123 signatures.]

APPENDIX. No. 1. Coasting and Intercolonial steamers bound to Oamaru invariably leave Port Chalmers or Timaru in the evening, thereby arriving off Oamaru about midnight, and it frequently happens that they get past the port, causing several hours delay after daylight in returning, thereby losing the best part of the day, as early morning is mostly calm and sea smooth.