UNCERTAIN AUCKLAND COAST.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1368, 20 February 1912, Page 4

UNCERTAIN AUCKLAND COAST.

" LIGHTS ASKED FOR,

IBr Telegraph—Press AESOclatlon.l Auckland, February 19. For over twelve, months, shipmasters sailing between Auckland and overseas ports have, been agitating in favour of the. better lighting of the New Zealand coast north of Auckland. This morning a deputation representing the shipmasters waited upon the president of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, mid asked that (ho chamber should transmit, through Messrs. A. M. Myers and .1. M. Bradney, M.P.'s,-n largely-signed petition for at least four new lights on the coast north of this port.

The petition gave it as the opinion of all leading shipmasters that the coast from Auckland northwards was insufficiently lighted, and that it was absolutely necessary for the safety of lives and property that additional lights should bo placed ou the coastline. The petition set lorth that tho first and most urgent work for tho safety of ocean-going vessels was the erection on some suitable part of llio Three Kings of a first-class light and fog signal, and that the Big King was admirably adapted for a lighthouse station. In addition an mnvntehed iight was required on Flat Hock, eastward of K.wnu Island, an miwatclied light on Channel Tsland on the south entrance to Hauraki Gulf, and a light and fog signal on tho North Cape. Mr. Myers said that, speaking as a business man, lie failed to see any reason why tho Marino Department had failed to take action in this mailer before now.

Captain Holi'ord: The Elingumite disaster should have been enough. Captain Ross: If another disaster of the kind docs take place, Hie responsibility will not bo ours.

Mr. Myers promised to have the petition at once forwarded to Messrs. A. M. Myers and J. H. Hradney for presentation to Parliament.