The Three Kings

Horowhenua Chronicle, 14 November 1916, Page 3

The Three Kings

A DIFFICULT PROBLEM. MR F. M. I!. FISHER'S VIEWS. The problem of how to remove or minimise the great danger to navigation which the Three Kings rocks now are and have always been still interests Mr F. M. B. Fisher, formerly Mnister of Mamie. In a letter from England to a friend in Wellington, he discusses the matter at a little length, and incidentally declares lis opinion strongly against- any attempt to erect a light on the. Kings. Mr Fisher writes: —

I "The war anil the perils of the Navy constantly afloat through the long, dark, foggy winters are compelling the greatest efforts of the best men upon the question of finding the ship's bearings in thick weather. In addition, special attention is being paid to the wireless compass and direction-finder, in order to be able to locate the direction iof a vessel using the wireless at sea. It is probable that the necessities of all the navies will result in some perfect system being evolved,, and no doubt the Germans will be fully employed on the problem. I hope soon to have an opportunity of consulting a famous expert of Sweden upon the subject, but in the meantime I have no hesitation in expressing my belief that no light can be made that will make the Three Kings safe. On the contrary, a light would become an additional source of danger, for in thick weather ships would probably go ashore in groping around to pick up the obscured gleam. I have never travelled on a ship yet without putting the whole proposition before the experienced skipper, and almost invariably I get the same answer 'If you cannot see the light just when ("t is wanted, what is the use of the light?" It would act as a candle to a moth, and merely .become the means of luring men on to danger.

"There is no one in Xew Zealand more eager and more anxious than 1 to see that problem solved. I want to see it solved because it is, I believe, one of the most difficult dangers in the world to make reasonably safe. In the United States. Canada and England I can find no solution, and no expert can I discover who would recommend light.

"It has afforded me not a little satisfaction to know that my original conception of the Kings problem was reasonably sound, although opposed by so many skippers who reside in A upland. Ido hope they will exercise a little patience and not press the Government to agree to a large expenditure upon what must be regarded as a dangerous light.

"From what I hare now seen of the world at large, I do not think our coasts are as well lighted as they should be. For a young, small country with an unduly long coastline, we have done very well, but not well enough. Every penny received from light dues should be earmarked for more and better lights, and 1 this policy be continuedi until our sea-coast is second to none in the world for safety."