Luna
Lighthouse Survey 1874
Cape Foulwind
Cape Foulwind was selected as a lighthouse site by John Blackett, Marine Engineer and Captain Robert Johnson, Nautical Advisor during the lighthouse survey of 1874 aboard the Luna. Unable to land from seaward they landed inland up the Buller River and cut a track out to the cape from the Westport/Charleston Road to survey the land. Arrangements were made with the District Engineer Mr. Dobson to have some men make a clearing in the bush for the lighthouse site and to avoid intercepting the proposed lights arc. a
When the Luna later returned Captain Johnson found the bush to be cleared sufficiently for him to select the exact site for the light. The site was 190 feet above sea level and to clear the surrounding cliffs he proposed a tower 36 feet in height which would illuminate an arc extending S. round by N. 68deg E. a
Cape Maria van Diemen
In 1874, Nautical Advisor, Captain Johnson, surveyed the North Island for possible lighthouse sites aboard the government ship Luna. He reported back to the commissioner of customs in Auckland the following "owing to a report that Cape Reinga would offer a good site for a light, the Luna after leaving Cape Maria, proceeded thither; on arrival we found a landing difficult, although the weather was fine. The height of the cape proved to be 456 ft, far too great a height in my opinion for a light ... I therefore came to the conclusion that Cape Reinga was not so suitable a position for a light as the island laying off Cape Maria van Diemen." 4
Akaroa
During the lighthouse survey of 1874 on board the Luna, John Blackett, Marine Engineer and Captain Robert Johnson, Nautical Advisor selected the Akaroa Heads as a possible site for a lighthouse. At the time, there was a good timber trade out of the port and Akaroa was considered likely to be a major port or even a principal navy base. It was also known for its many shipwrecks since at least 25 ships had already wrecked in the area. The first recorded being the Atlantic which was wrecked in 1839, fortunately with no loss of life.
Additional Sources:
a. Grey River Argus, March 21, 1874
Text and photographs. Copyright © 1999-2012 Mark Phillips. All rights reserved.
If anyone has any information, please contact me. thekiwimark@msn.com
