LIGHTHOUSE CHANGE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21177, 29 July 1940, Page 2

LIGHTHOUSE CHANGE

EXTREME NORTH SERVICE . TRANSFER TO CAFE REINGA j ' (By Telegraph.—Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Monday 1 “The most important lighthouse Work in hand in New Zealand at the moment is the improvement o£ the lighting and radio beacon system at Capo Maria Van Dieman in the extreme North,” said the Hon. D. G. McMillan, Minister of Marine, in an interview. “The existing light is on a small island close against the mainland. This island is so exposed that the landing of men and supplies is a difficult and often dangerous operation. “In addition to the light there is | a small radio-signalling plant by 1 which signals are sent out, when asked for by shipmasters, for direc-tion-finding purposes. This radio j plant has become quite inadequate, and when giving consideration to the installation of an efficient, automati-cally-operated radio beacon, it became quite clear that the new plant should be made as accessible as possible for supply and servicing purposes. Building Well Advanced “It was therefore decided to transfer the existing light and place the whole installation on a point on the mainland near Cape Reinga, three miles to the north and slightly to the east of the old light. The same lens and lantern will be used again, but the light will be electric in place of oil burning. A road has been built connecting the site with the north end of the Ninety-mile Beach, and already the building of the lighthouse tower, cottages and power house is well advanced. “A small automatic light will be provided on the mainland immediately behind Cape Maria Van Dieman in case small vessels making north should keep close enough inshore to hav e tl‘. Cape Reinga light shut out by hills.”