Last Lighthouse Woman.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 2 October 1914, Page 2

Last Lighthouse Woman.

Mrs. Joynsoti, the only woman lighthouse-keeper in England, kept her last watch a few nights ago at Hale, on the banks of the Mersey. She is known as "the heroine of the Mersey." For twenty years she has lived in the lighthouse, and for four years, since the death of her husband, she has been the official keeper. "My life has not been an unhappy one here," said Mrs. Joynson, "and it is a wrench to go. I am giving- up the appointment for the sake of my children, who wish to live at Stockport. The commissioner has tried several times to persuade me to stay. He told me only (he other day, ' You are leaving with honour.' When my husband died in the lighthouse, I took up the duty on three months' trial, and have continued (ill now. I have done duty for three and a-half hours before and after high tide, and have had to keep the light burning at nighttime, and the fog-bell ringing if necessary. On several occasions T have rung the bell for the whole seven hours. Once we had nearly a fortnight of fog, but I got through it all right."