LIGHTING THE KINGS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1649, 16 January 1913, Page 4

LIGHTING THE KINGS.

.'.■■■'■ ♦ —~"— VIEWS OF SHIPMASTERS. ' The problem- of the most effective method of lighting the, Three : Kjng ß . was discussed 'at a largo and representative meeting of shipmasters, which was held in the Auckland Chamber of Commerco on Monday, morning. ; ' Captain. Hood (Auckland Shipmasters' Association) presided, and stated that the meeting had been called to'collect opinions as to'tho best method of lighting the Kings:' ■'■■ : ■ • ■'; ' Captain Ross said that two proposals had been'submitted regarding the lighting question. The Minister for Marine (Hon: F. M. B. Fisher) had suggested that two automatic lights be installed at each end of the group. The other proposal was the installation of a first-class light on the Big King. ■}■. Captain Ross said theMinister had decided that the Kings, were to be lighted, but ho desired to know first of all"which: system:of lighting-would be< the most effective. . ■■■'■_ ,'''■''• At tho request of tho meeting, Mr. W. A. Beddoe (Canadian Trade Commissioner) gave some . particulars concerning [ Canadian automatic lights, which he said had been very, successful. ... ' • Mr. T. Henderson (Shipowners' Federation) said his association was in favour of <i carefully-tended light, and that it did n6t regard an automatic unwatohed light ao suitable. Captain Cliff favoured the big 1 light, and he said that with on attended light the presence of an attendant qualified in signalling was an advantage. ■ Captain McLean (steamer' Mabeno) said his experience was that tho West King was always picked up first in any weather, but'the Big King was just as easily pick-, ed up. Ho would -prefer one big light rather than two automatic ones. . In his opinion the Big King wa9 the proper place for the light. . Captain Holmes advocated that a fog signal be also installed.. Captain Stentiford • (Auckland Coastal Masters' Association) said his association was strongly in favour of the installation of. a big light, with a lightkeepcr. Members of the association also, thought that the keepor could make Useful observations regarding currents, etc. , The following resolution was carried unanimously:—-That .this meeting of shipmasters of various associations, and all trades, having examined and considered tho two systems of lighting the Three King's,'as submitted!by Captains Ross and' Hood, on behalf of the Minister for Marine, is of opinion that system No. 2 (one first-class light, under attendants) is the only one that would bo suitable for such a dangerous and world-important outpost." Other resolutions were passed advocating the installation of an automatic light on the flat rock.off Kawau, and one on the Watchman, off -Gape Colville'. Tho meeting also expressed the opinion that the Cuvier light should be moved, so that it might shine all round the island..