OUR READER’S OPINIONS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXX, Issue 3606, 20 August 1912, Page 6

OUR READER’S OPINIONS.

THE LIGHTING OF OUR COASTS.

(to the EDITOR. 1

Sir, —There appears to be a consensus of opinion among mariners that a lightship at the “Three Kings” would be altogether out of the question and impracticable, with which opinion I cordially concur. In the first place the water in the immediate vicinity is too deep, and secondly tile light would be invisible, for half its arc, owing to the height of the island. But there surely must be a landing place on the Great King? For on Tasman’s visit in December, 1642, he states that he found it inhabited bv men of apparent large size, and that each of them had a club in his hand, who called cut in a rough, strong voice. Therefore there must necessarily be a landing place. No doubt a light on the •'•Kings” would be of great value, but in my opinion a light on the North Cape would be more useful, as it would enable a vessel to shape a course to the westward with more confidence in thick and stormy weather, also for vessels bound to the eastwards, whereas a light on the ‘ Kings’’ would be of no value whatever for coasting vessels. A light on the North Cape would he useful both for coasting vessels, also for vessels bound to the westward. There are many masters, both of steam and sailing vessels, who would have l>een relieved of murli anxiety if a light on the North Capo had been installed, for a. prudent man would naturally steer a considerable distance to the northward further than was necessary before keeping away to the westward in thick weather so as to be on the safe side. We have heard a great deal lately about the danger to navigation owing to the absence of a light on the “Three Kings”, but during the whole period of my experience I only remember two casualties occurring at the islands —one being the wreck of the “Elingamite” owing to the engines failing at a critical moment, and the other a barquentine which drifted on the island during a calm. Now, if during the many years of traffic between New Zealand and Australia only two vessels have been wrecked, they can hardly be considered a danger to navigation. Still, a light on them would be of great value.

With reference to my contention that the turning points should be first lighted, I -will narrate the experience of the Shipmasters’ Association, of which I was local secretary, to cause the Marine Department to instal the present light on East Cape Island. It had been decided by the Department to plaee a- light on Cape Kidnappers, and the money was voted for that purpose, but shipmasters naturally urged that a light on East Cape was of paramount importance, and I was instructed to interview all masters visiting Auckland on the subject aud ascertain their views.. I accordingly drew up a paper with the heading, “Those in favor of a light en East Cape”, also, “Those in favor of a light on Cape Kidnappers.” Well, Sir, all those I interviewed signed for a light on East Cape, while not one was in favor of a light on Kidnappers. In this connection I will relate an amusing incident which occurred during my perigrinations in quest of signatures. I hoarded the s.s. Kumara, commanded by the late Captain Scotland, and, producing my paper, I introduced the subject by stating that I was certain I should obtain his signature for such a laudable object. When he replied, “You needn’t bring that thing here, for I won’t subscribe anything!” But it is unnecessary for me to say that after, scanning the paper he signed and said lie was very pleased to have the opportunity for doing so. While on the lights one cannot help asking why the Department, after asking for the opinion of shipmasters as to the locality of a proposed light between Capes Turnag.ain and Palliser, should ignore the opinions of the majority and decide to place the light on Castle Point. I need not state that I also should have voted for a light on Plot Point. Of course, after the expenditure of £3OOO at the site of Castle Point it would he proper to build the lighthouse there. In this connection it would he interesting and instructive if the Department, in its wisdom, would state why the Cuvian light was placed on the eastern point of the island, instead of on the apex, in consequence j of which it is invisible till nearly i abreast of it, except for a short time j in the vicinity of Cape Colville. 1 presume the answer of the nautical salons of the Marine Department would he that if placed on the. apex of the island it would be too high, and ■be invisible occasionally from clouds settling on the high land, which in those latitudes, however, is of very rare occurrence. At all events from j its present position its efficiency is only about half what it should: be. — I am, etc., THOS. FERNANDZ.