HARBOUR LIGHTS.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1864, 25 September 1913, Page 8

HARBOUR LIGHTS.

COMPLETE REVIEW.

CAPTAIN JOHNSON'S REPORT

HIS OPINION UPHELD.

TWO NEW LIGHTS TO BE BET UP

Harbour lights were thoroughly discussed at last evening's meeting of tho .Wellington Harbour Board. The matter roso primarily from the finding of the second inquiry into the cause oF tho wreck of tho steamer "Devon, at Pencarrow. Tho. Harbourmaster reported that tho (Devon obscured tho low-lovel Pencarrow light on certain bearings' south, and waa therefore a dangerous obstruction to the navigation of tho port. The chairman (Mr. R. Fletcher) endorsed this opinion, and regretted that moro-members of the board had not jnade the trip dqwn, tho harbour that afternoon, as they would have seen for themselves. Ho moved; "That it be an instruction from tho board to tho ■secretary to notify the owneTS of tho stranded steamer Devon that thoy will bo required to take such stops as may ho necessary to remove the wreck, as it obstructs tho low-level light at Pencarrow, and has becomo a menace to tho safe navigation of vessels entering tho port; and, further, that tho secrotary \>o instructed to request the Marino Department to liavo tho present position of the wreck gazetted, as a warning to mariners."Tho motion was .carried-:. .. .

The chairman went on to state that .'the board did not desiro to disagree with tho exoneration .of.': tho captain of the Devon, but he objected to the board feeing made a scapegoat. The finding m tho second iitquiry had been far from satisfactory. If a third inquiry .were to be held, the Court might possibly find that there had been no wreck at all. This second Court of Inquiry had resulted in several recommendations ■with regard to lights being brought downj without the officers of the board being given an opportunity to say anything, about the proposed changes. However,'the Harbourmaster (Captain H. Johnson) had brought down a report ffhicli read as follows:—

THE REPORT. ■KTHE HARBOURMASTER ON LIGHTS "As directed Jby you, ajid in accordance with a motion passed by the board, that I be requested' to report on a petition submitted by tho _ Merchant Service Guild of Australasia to the jjoard, which says that: — " 'We. tho undersigned masters of vessels: trading to tho port of Wellington, hereby petition the board to erect a pile beacon at tho position of or near 'to the position of the Black Buoy, off Steeple Rook, near Seatoun,'

1 beg' to report as follows: —This is. the third time that tho guild has submitted this proposition to tho board. Tho position of the light , asked for is the same in the three requests, but tho segments'of-the light aro changed. On 'June 29, 1912, I reported to the board and stated reasons wh.v a light off Steeplo Rock, in my would be dangerous instead of bon'eficiaf in tho navigation of "the channel. I must refer you to that report in conjunction with this, as my opinion has not Changed. 1A paragraph in the petition runs as follows: — "'As practical men, we cannot see why any objections should bo raised to tho installing of a light in tho above-mentioned; position, for it certainly would be of the greatest assistance to shipmasters working tho port at night.' Tho position I occupy in tho board demands that I should object to any requests for lights that/ m my opinion, would be dangerous to tho safe navigation of the main channel, and I repeat the statements made in my last report —that a light at Steeple Rock Buoy is idangerous for 'deep-draught vessels navigating the chanuel. Importance of Low Level Light. "The concluding part of tho paragraph referred to above reads as follows:—'When Somes Island Light is obscured there is absolutely nothing to mark the entrance and guide vessels through between Pencarrow Head and Barrett Reef.'. This carries on tho face of it the assumption that tho low level light counts as nothing in tho navigation of tho harbour and channel, hut wo 'shall see as we proceed whether the guild change their opinion on this point. I hold now, as I have alwavs done, that the low level light is the most important light in the navigation of the harbour. The position on which it is situated commands tho harbour inside, and the approach to it. It is tho first point of contact ill entering the channel, and is six cablcs south of the outer rock of Barret Reef. Any vessel can pass it in-perfect safetv by. keeping 800 feet off .it to west side. Some of the deep-draught ocean steamers have entered tho harbour by this light, all other lights being obscured at the time, and proceeded up the channel, sighting tho "Falcon Shoal Buov, and then ore to the anchorage; ' And I understand that any masfer possessing a knowledge of tho harbour can and does, navigate the channel safely 'by this light. One of i'tho Cuild's Ideas. . "Tho guild's petition further states: —'We would '.suggest for your consideration that the light should have a Ted sector covering the western shore both inside and outside the harbour.' 'A motion was moved at a meeting of' tho board on .Tune 25, 1913, having for, its purpose the same . effect, although not in tho same language. It was as follows: — "'That tho board take into consideration tho advisability of'discontinuing tlio light now exhibited j from Somes Island as a leading ! light for tho.port, and that a pile beacon be erected at the position of the Black Buoy now moored near Steeple Rook, off Scatoun.; that the light to be shown thereIrom bo a bright occulting light, showing a red sector on a bearing four degrees .eastward of Barret Reef, tlience Tcnnd eastward to a hearing a safe distance off tho furthest outlying point of land in the vicinity of Gordon Point.' Now if this proposed light is to take the place of Sqmes Island Light whon it is obscured (aB the guild suggests it will), then why. is a red sector to bo shown over tho western shore of tho entrance and not on tho eastern, if there is (to use the guild's language) absolutely nothing to mark tho entrance? Or does the guild really recognise that the low level light is on tne rocks there to-mark the eastern shore and ontrance to the channel into the harbour? If so, then there is. a light to mark tho entrance, and I cannot understand why such is not realised in the petition. Fallacy by Small Ship Captains. "All but six of. tho signatories to .the petition are, or.havobeen, in command of shallow-draught vessels, that is, under 26 feet, and many of them enter tho harbour in fino weather by_ Chaffer's Passage both by day and night. They so,em to mo to imagine tlifit tho channel ends at Steeple Rock Buoy. In so far as they are concerned it does end there, but what about the large ocean steamers with a draught of 31 feet 9 inches or. 32 feet.?, la tu.^m

channel is not passed until tho Falcon Shoal is passed. Therefore, acting on that knowledge, 1 must recommend the board to place the guiding lights in such a position as' will ensure the safe navigation of the channel by tho deepest-draught vessels that are now or in tho future entering the port.

West of Channel Light. "The western shore of tho channel from the outer rock of Barret Reef to Steeple Eock is wholly a stretch of outlying and low-lying rocks, also sunkeni rocks, and it is a. practical impossibility on a dark night to seo tho outlino of tho shore, to say nothing of tho rocks. Tho eastern shore from Pencarrow Point to a position opposito Steeple Rock is quite tho reverse, having high land nearly down to highwatermark, with no outlying dangers. Tho line of tho land can bo seen and followed on a dark night, and all vessels should be directed to this side of the channel. A light at Steeple Rock would lmvo tho opposite effect. "Tho guild suggests, that the pile bsacou light shouil liavo a red sector covering the western shoro outside and inside the hai'bour. This means that a whito light will bo shown over Falcon Shoal, where a buoy carrying a red light marlis it as dangerous for vessels of over 26 feet draught," and the dredge with her moorings is also working to the westward of the buoy. Until the bank is removed a white light should not be shown over it. Possible Cause of Collision. "The suggosted pile light also brings l up tho question, of collisions. All out-ward-bound vessel, in rounding Kau Point and steering a course to pass a light off Steeple Rock, would be heading for the port side of an inward-bound Vessel. This position will not arise if the channel is lighted to give one straight course in. Then tho vessels will meet end on and all risk of collision avoided. It seems to me not at all unlikely that this light is requested to permit cutting off an anglo and thus avoid going up the main channel until Falcon Shoal is passed, but it must bo remembered that masters can navigate tho harbour as thoy choose according to tho draught of their vessels. There is ample room. But why ask the board to take on extra risk and responsibility for one clas3 of moro than another, namely, deep draught ocean vessels that require room as well as depth to turn in?

Cuild's Idea in Squally Weather. "AVe shall assume that a light has been established off Steeple Rock with a red sector ovor Barret Reef, as suggested by'tho guild. A moderate southerly or northerly galo is blowing with thick rain-squalls. A vessel is approaching the harbour, steering a courso to bring her into the white sector. Directly it is seen she changes her course and enters' the channel, being guided by this light. Her position as to mid-channel in tho white sector is only assumed, tho light being situated on' the west sido of tho channel.' Tho tendency is to draw her to that sido. A heavy raui-squall obscures all tho lights. Tho hidden dangers being closo on on her port side, she then has more chances to meet disaster than to. escape from them. Therefore, I contend that a light placed on the dangerous sido of the channel cannot be a guide for safe navigation through'the channel. And for a clear straight channel tho light or lights should bo placed, if at all possible, to permit a vessel to steer for them on a course leading in mid-channel; and in my opinion now, O'' at any future time a light at Steeple Rock would be dangerous in the extreme. Each statement 1 have made in this report can be practically tested by an examination of the harbour. This can be dono in part from Beacon Hill signal station should the members of the board desire to do so. Suggested Now Light. ' "A little over twelve months ago I suggested, for the consideration of the board, that, if it was necessary to introduce more" lights to further ensure the safe navigation of the channel, a buoy carrying a white occulting light should be placed on tho south extreme of Hope Shoal eastern sido of the channel. I learn from the engineer that tho .board has given its sanction to this proposal, and the buoy was ordered some time ago. I would now recommend that tho position of this buoy when laid down should be approximately as follows:—Five cables south of the southern red buoy on the south extension of Hope Shoal. It will then be two miles cables from the low-level light and two miles from the outer rock of Barret Reef, and in about 53 fathoms of 'water. It will bo three cables north of a lino drawn across to Steeplo Rock buoy, and 2000 feet into tho green segment of Somes Island light, widening,! the channel by that much or doubling the width of the channel, as shown by the white segment of Somes Island light. The buoy can bo approached with safety as therff are no rocks in tho vicinity, and vessels inwards or outward bound can steer for it. passing on its western side. Tho buoy is being made for double moorings to bo laid down east and west and, on that lino will .be stationary. Therefore its position, taken from tho entrance of tho harbour, will bo reliable. This light, being only two miles from tho entranco proper, should give a good li«ht two or three miles outside. Its range of visibility, also tho action of the sea waves unon it, will be tested when it is laid down. Vessels inward-, bound can obtain their correct position when a mile or two south of Pencarrow Head by bringing the low-level light in line with it, then opening tho buoy light four or five degrees west of the low-level light. This will bring them in the whito segment of Somes Island light. Should that light be obscured they can steer for the occulting light on the buoy and so pass on up the harbour.

Second Suggested Light. "If this light is inadequate to meet tho requirements of tho petitioners, then I would further suggest that a beacon, say 30ft. high, be built in the shallow water near to the north red buoy on Hope Shoal proper, Ward Island, and a white occulting light he shown therefrom. It, and the occulting buoy light in fine, will lead up the centre of tho main channel on a. course about duo north magnetic. These lights will tako ' tho place of Somes Island light when it is obscured. When these lights are not visible a milo or two outside tho entrance, and masters of vessels deem' it dangerous to enter by tTie guidance of tho low-level light, tiien, in my opinion, they should keep off until daylight. By bringing those lights into use wo shall bo freo from segments, sectors, and colours, and vessels steering for them, should a mistake occur, would strike sand—not rocks, and no confusion can ariso in connection .with Somes Island light. Although deep water surroundß tho buoy carrying tho proposed occulting light, and three cables to tho eastward of it there is 25ft. of water, all doubts will be removed as to tho vessel's position when entering tho harbour. as the two lights will not bo in one lino until mid-channel is reached. "Tho suggested lights aro 1 mile 4 cables apart, and 'should give warning when they- aro not in lino. To obtain this objcct is tho reason why the buoy carrying tho occulting light is placed five cables further south. The light on tho beacon should bo visible between tho bearings of North 4dog. East and North 22dpg. Magnetic approximately. Tho light period should bo of longer duration than that of the buoy. A plan of the harbour accompanies this report, showing tho positions of tho proposed lights and other details which cannot be readily explained otherwise. Tho occulting buov light will lie a guide to outward-bound vessels when north of it, and inward-bound vessels , whoa approaching it .will pass to tho

westward, leaving it on their starboard side. If those proposals are adopted the red buoy now marking tho south extreme of ilope Shoal will not be reQuired, and tlie 0110 off Ward Island can also be removed, and one pilo surmounted with a cago ball be placed on tlio western edge of tho shallow water. All buoys and beacon would bo painted red.

Never Abolish Somes Island Light. "It is fortunate that Somes Island is so situated that a light shown from it controls and guides tho traffic in every part of the harbour, and the segments are so arranged that the requirements of all classes of vessels, both sailing vessels and steamers, are assured. Tho light is a watched light, and therefore reliable in fine and bad weather alike, and the navigation of tlio channel accurately defined and easy while the light is unobscured. ■, Wo cannot say this of unwatched lights. .Although they fill many a gap in tho chain of lights that guido vessels iTito safety, but, being unwatched, that trust of reliability is wanting, and when most needed they may not bo there. This is one strong reason why Sohios Island light should never be abolished.

I "It has been and ever will bo my earnest desiro to assist or advise ail shipmasters, in so far as I am able, as to tho navigation of .the channel and harbour, and safety of their vessels in any other direction. The safety of the shipping is one of the port's assets. South of tho Equator there may bo a harbour equal to Port Nicholson, but, in my opinion, 110110 better for maritime affairs, or more easily entered by day and night, and whether in tho board's service or not, my knowledge of the port constrains mo to try to protect its interests at every point." THE RESOLUTION. HARBOURMASTER'S VIEW TAKEN. . The chairman said that the harbourmaster's report would go a long way to meet the requests of tho guild. He thought that the harbour was already sufficiently well lighted. They had lights on Pencarrow,. but still a ship had gone ashore. If they had lights on Barrett's, Reef, on the other side, thoy might loso others. He moved that tho recommendations of Captain Johnson be carried into effect, subject to the approval of tho Marine Department. Mr. M. Cohen seconded. Captain D. G. Watson suggested that the occulting light on Hope Shoal should be on a beacon, instead of a buoy, which was liable to drift from its moorings. Captain Johnson said that he had no objection to this, and the mover and seconder agreed to an amendment on theso lines. The report as amended was adopted. Falcon Shoal Light. . At a later stage, Mr. H. L. Nathan moved:—"That the light on the Falcon Shoal bo immediately altered from a stationary light to an occulting light, as apparently it is necessary for tho Falcon Shoal light to remain until the dredging of this shoal is completed." Captain D. G. Watson said that the alteration of the light on Falcon Shoal to an occulting light would prevent any master from making the same mistake as tho captain of tho Devon.

Tho chairman said that personally ho did not pay much attention to tho finding of the second inquiry, and ho was of opinion that tho captain of the Devon had mistaken the low-level Pencarrow light for the white sector of Somes Island.

Tho motion was defeated by seven votes to five.