IMPROVED LIGHTS FOR NAVIGATORS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 137, 31 August 1927, Page 16

IMPROVED LIGHTS FOR NAVIGATORS

NORTHERN COAST NEEDS SUGGESTION IN PARLIAMENT (THE SUN'S Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. According to a statement made in the House of Representatives to-day by Mr. J. A. Lee, member for Auckland East, there is some dissatisfaction among Auckland shipping men, in particular, with the navigation lights provided, or not provided by the Marine Department on the northern coast of New Zealand. When he was in Auckland recently, said Mr. Lee, a number of seafaring men had asked him to draw the attention of the Marine Department to the lighting of the northern coast, which had not progressed to the extent that it should have done. They had pointed out that a light was urgently needed at North Cape. It was true that there was a light at Cape Maria Van Diemen, which was no considerable distance away, but North Cape was a turningpoint, and ships lost sight of Cape Maria Van Diemen before they picked up North Cape. A light at that turn-ing-point would be of considerable assistance to ships making for Auckland. The Cape Brett light was unsatisfactory, also, for the reason that its quick flashing made it difficult to take bearings. Mr. Lee also asked that an unwatched light should be put at Poor Knights Island as the high light at Cape Brett is often obscured by fog. “ It was suggested to me,” said Mr. Lee, “that the Marine Department is not constituted in a manner conducive to efficiency. It is considered that a permanent Marine Board, largely recruited from those who have had long experience of our intercolonial and coastal waters, should be set up, and should have power to make recommendations to the department.” The Minister said that he would have reports made on the lights mentioned by Mr. Lee. He had every confidence in Captain Bollons, who was a man of ability and integrity, and whose opinion was respected by all who. navigated the coast. The setting up of a board such as Mr. Lee had mentioned was a matter for the Government.