CAPE EGMONT LIGHTHOUSE

Taranaki Daily News, 19 November 1926, Page 3

CAPE EGMONT LIGHTHOUSE

NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT. VIEWS OF SHIPMASTERS. The necessity for a strong flashing light at Cape Egrnont in place of the present one, which was considered out of date and of poor visibility, was emphasised at yesterday’s meeting of the New Plymouth Harbour Board, and it was decided to ask the Marine Department to make improvements. The lights of Manaia and Opunake were preferred as guides by Captain Craven, of the Port Hobart, according to a written statement submitted by Mr. J. R. Cruickshank. Captain Craven made certain suggestions regarding the harbour lights also. The question arose out of a discussion on port lights, but Mr. Cruickshank stressed the fact that alterations to the Cape beacon were of first importance. Two shipmasters had recently complained of its inadequacy and all of them seemed to believe that fixed lights were out of date. When asked for his opinion the actingharbourmaster (Captain O. F. Mclntyre) said the reel light on Mikotahi was satisfactory but the Cape light needed improving.’ At his request various vessels had checked the visibility of the red light and had found it could be seen up to 15 miles. It was decided that the resident engineer should investigate the possibility of increasing the power of the red light.