Untitled

New Zealand Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 4135, 22 June 1874, Page 2

We observe that His Excellency Governor Du Cane, of Tasmania, was present in the Legislative Assembly in Victoria during a portion of the debate on the Constitution Amendment Bill. In the course of the debate allusions were made to the recent wreck of the ship British Admiral off King's Island, and the advisability of instituting an inquiry in order to ascertain whether the lighthouse could not be placed in a position where it would prove more serviceable to vessels driven by stress of weather in the vicinity of the island. It may bo hoped, therefore, that the attention of the Tasmanian Government would bo called to the subject on His Excellency's return to Hobart Town. We also observe that Captain Stanley, of the Imperial Survey Department at Melbourne, has reported in favor of the removal of the light to a more prominent position on the island ; and that Mr. Francis, the Chief Secretary of Victoria, says the subject will doubtless receive the attention of the Conference of Representatives of the Customs and Harbour Departments of the several Colonies which met last year in Sydney to consider the question of coast lights and other kindred subjects. The Melbourne Daily Telegraph remarks that the advantages to be gained are : First, Vessels would Bee the light along the most dangerous part of King's Island, and where the most wrecks have occurred. Second, The lighthouse-keepers would bo enabled to see along a larger extent of dangerous coast, the range of sight from the present one being very limited. Third, The life-boat could be easily launched from New Yeai-'s Island,which it is very difficult to do in bad weather from Capo Wicklmm. Fourth, Stores could be landed far easier, at a cheaper rate, and in all weathers. Fifth,, A hut and stores could be left opposite the lighthouse ; and a hut, stores, flagstaff, and danger signal at the middle of the range of sight from the lighthouse. The prosent lighthouse could be taken to pieces and rebuilt on the island, while a temporary light could be easily erected during its removal, at much less cost than building new ones.