NEW ZEALAND LIGHTHOUSES

 

 

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The Brothers (1877)

 

Photo courtesy of MSA.

 

 

 

 

 

Built in 1877, The Brothers lighthouse on the western side of Cook Strait replaced the light on Mana Island which had been moved after being confused with Pencarrow lighthouse.

Due to poor weather it took sixty days for the men and their building supplies to be landed on the rock so work could begin on constructing the tower. And during the construction the winds were so strong it was decided to fill the space in the walls with rocks to strengthen the wooden tower.

As the island has no soil or drinking water all supplies had to be shipped in. So a crane was used to winch a basket carrying the supplies and keepers from the deck of the supply ships to the rock. This was a hazardous process therefore the station was restricted to single men and was staffed in the later years by a roster of relieving keepers.

The light was one of the last to be automated in July 1990.

 

DIRECTIONS:

Inaccessible to the public.

Distant views can be obtained on a clear day from the Cook Strait ferry.

 

 

Island South
Province Marlborough
Location Cook Strait
Number K4246
Date Commissioned September, 1877
Date Decommissioned
Automated July 1990
Latitude 41° 06' South
Longitude 174° 26' East
Elevation Above Sea Level 79m
Height 12m
Character White light flashes once every 10 seconds. Red sector over rocks.
Range 26 N. miles (48 km)
Made Built on site
Construction White wooden tower
Converted Kerosene To Diesel 1954
Converted Diesel To Mains Electricity
Wattage
Present Tower Original
Authority
Date Visited
 

 

Head Keeper From To

 

James Nelson   December, 1879
     
     

 

Assistant Keeper (1st) From To

 

Patrick Henagham    
     
     

 

 

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Text and photographs. Copyright © 1999-2005 Mark Phillips. All rights reserved.