TUAHINE LIGHT.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2635, 18 October 1909, Page 3

TUAHINE LIGHT.

THE CAUSE OF ITS RECENT EXTINCTION.

' Word was received in town late on Saturday evening that the Tuahine light was not showing. It was too late to do anything then, but Mr. John Townley, Chairman of the Harbor Board, and Mr. J. Allen, managing plumber of Messrs F. Hall and Sons, went out to the light yesterday morning. It was then found that, the cause of the lights going out was that some sediment of carbide had lodged in the spindle which works the valve ‘ admitting the carbide to the water. . The carbide being shut off from the water, no gas was produced, the gasometer being found quite empty. This was easily remedied, and last night a message" was received that the light was working satisfactorily. In speaking to a “Times” representative last evening, Mr. Townley said that it was to- be very much regretted, but this was probably the last time the light would go ; out, as the permanent light-keeper’s /cottage would be finished during this week, and Captain Ware would be taking up his residence at the light within a few days, when the light would be under constant attention. The light going out on Saturday evening was particularly unfortunate in that the Victoria, from South, arrived in the roadstead during the evening, and the weather being rainy the Captain could not pick up any lights at all. He knew lie was in . the roadstead, but could not. locate his position, so went out beyond Young Nick’s Head and put in the night there: 'The Victoria was seen coming up the coast, and it was decided to put passengers on board then, as the weather looked threatening, and it was thought it might be too rough to tender her on Sunday. The. Tuatea accordingly went out, hut after cruising about for an hour, during whicli time the great roll affected a number of passengers, had to return. The weather had moderated in the morning, and passengers were put on board at 8.30.