Maior Lighthouses of (Part 1] by J. H. THORBURN, B.A. Upon separation from New South Wales on 10 December 1859 George Poynter Heath was born in 1830 in Norfolk, England, the new acquired 3236 miles of coastline and was educated at Cheltenham College before entering the with many hidden dangers to successful maritime navigation. To Royal Navy as a cadet in 1845. From 1846-53 he was one of assist shipping along the coast the colony received as a legacy the party under the command of Captain Owen Stanley of H.M.S. from New South Wales one solitary lighthouse. This was the "Rattlesnake" engaged in a survey of the north east coast of lighthouse which had been erected two years and New Guinea. previous in 1857. He retired from active service in 1860 with the rank of The lighthouse stands on the summit of Cape Moreton 382 Lieutenant and was married in February of that year. A few feet above sea level and the tower constructed of stone is 70 months later he sailed for Queensland to take up an appointment feet high.1 It is the only lighthouse ever built of stone on the as Surveyor of the 1st Class in the Department of the Surveyor Queensland coast and is painted white with a red dome. The General. He arrived in Brisbane on 26 August 1860 and his illuminating apparatus fitted was a Catoptric system of the first appointment was gazetted on 1 September.4 During the following order showing a white light and revolving every minute - 15 sec­ eighteen months he was engaged in various marine surveys.5 He onds bright and 45 seconds dull. The Cape Moreton lighthouse was must have impressed his superior officers, for when consideration unique in being fitted with the Catoptric system, all subsequent was given to appointing a person to undertake the general duties lighthouses built being fitted with the Dioptric system. In the of Portmaster for Queensland he was invited to fill the position. former the light is reflected and not gathered and focused by He agreed to accept the combined position of Portmaster and using lenses and prisms, the reflector being some highly polished Marine Surveyor of Queensland at the same salary he had been surface. drawing but that the full allowance should be paid.6 His appoint­ The Catoptric System is the most ancient, and is now nearly ment was gazetted on 25 January 1862 - he was then only 31 obsolete, except on light vessels, where metallic reflectors years of age. A few months later he was appointed a member of of a paraboloid form are still used on account of the pos­ the Marine Board by Letters Patent dated 25 July 1862. He sible danger of the motion.of the vessel breaking the glass reached the rank of Commander before he was placed on the lenses if that type is employed. ... However the modern retired list of the Royal Navy in 1869 and in the same year was improvements in balancing, etc., now render it safe to use elected Chairman of the Marine Board.7 He continued to hold lenses in such positions, and it seems likely that the use the two positions of Portmaster and Chairman of the Marine of the Catoptric system of lighting at sea will entirely die Board conjointly until he officially retired from the service of out.2 the Queensland Government on 30 June 1890. Although James R. Atkinson has said that The government of the colony of Queensland made the first Our coast prior to separation, as far as lights were con­ move toward the regulation of marine traffic along its coastline cerned, was a sort of terra incognita3 in 1862. Firstly there was the appointment of a Portmaster for it was not quite true to say as the writer further claimed the colony and secondly the passing of the "Marine Board Act· that Captain Heath on being appointed Portmaster in 1860 of 1862".8 at once set to work to remedy the above mentioned state of affairs. Apart from the fact that the writer is in error about The duties and Powers of the Marine Board are set out in the date of Captain Heath's appointment as Portmaster it must Section 9 of the Act which reads in part- be remembered that as a servant of the Colonial Government not The Board shall be the Department to undertake the general all his energy or enthusiasm could alter the position that faced superintendence within its jurisdiction of all matters relating him without the necessary finance being voted for the purpose. to the preservation and improvement of all the ports For the first few years funds were short and it was not until harbours and havens navigable creeks and rivers in the 1865 that money was voted for the purpose of lighthouse con­ said Colony and the regulation of shipping and seamen the struction. There is however no doubt whatever that Captain licensing appointment and removal of pilots the maintenance Heath played a significant part in the eventual lighting of the of pilots' establishments the punishment of persons acting Queensland coast. as pilots without a license the amount save herein provided of

Page Eighteen Queensland Herilage 1500 1550 Bell, the Chairman of the Select Committee, laid upon the Table BOOBY ISLAND 1890-::::r------4~------__J_IOO of the House the Report from, and the Evidence taken before, 4~GOODE ISLAND 1886 the Committee and it was ordered to be printed. Evidence was taken from a number of witnesses, among them being the Portmaster and Marine Surveyor of the Colony, Lieu­ tenant G. P. Heath, R.N., who was examined on four separate occasions, the Admiralty Surveyor in Queensland, Captain Jeffrey, R.N., and the agent for the Australasian Steam Navigation Company, Captain H. O'Reilly. A further six witnesses were also called to give evidence. ~------_t_------_L150 The terms of reference under which the Committee was set up were somewhat restrictive, referri71g only to ~ LOW ISLES 1878 ·.. the state of the Harbors and Rivers of this Colony ... ~" Oo~:i::) but the committee had no compunction about widening the scope and indeed claimed it was necessary · .. to include ... the question of the necessity for additional Lighthouses on the coast of Australia, within the colony of \ CAPE CLEVELAND 1879 Queensland. TOWnSVille-~~ I The final Report of the Select Committee is a comparitively BOWen-~DENT ISLAND 1879 ~ short document of only thirteen Sections and, since this com­ ,------l-200 mittee widened its terms of reference, it is not altogether sur­

Mackay• prising that seven of the total of thirteen Sections deal with light­ houses or harbour lights.1o The Legislative Council also had appointed a Select Committee :¢'NORTH REEF 1878 with the much more specific field of reference- Rockhampton- 1875 · .. to enquire into and report upon the requirements of Gladslone-,Y'«BUSTARD HEAD 1868, this Colony, under its increasing trade and commerce, as to -",...-\ :¢'LADY ELLIOTT IS. 1873 the provision of additional lighthouse3 for its coasts and Bundaberg 1870 harbors ... 25 DOUBLE ISLAND The Legislative Council Committee restricted itself to pressing POINT 1884 for the erection of lighthouses at Sandy Cape and Bustard Head , I believing that this would provide for the immediate and pressing 1t CAPE MORETON 1857 I, requirements of the trade and commerce of the colony. In Brisbane D Appendices A and B they supported their recommendations by I, showing the relative increase of shipping and tonnage arriving at .~.-- (' ...... -~ ports north of Brisbane during 1862 and 1863. However IL-- -' 'J / -'.- They do not ignore the fact which this enquiry has impressed upon them, that there Queensland, showing major lighthouses and years of completion ot is before the Government of Queens­ lighthouses. land the much larger and more serious task of so lighting what is called the Inner Passage within the Barrier Reef, pilotage dues the superintendence of lights and other that not only the trade to our own rapidly increasing ports sea or harbour marks the placing or removing of moorings may be protected, but that much of the trade with India, the establishment of light and beacon dues ... China, and other countries to the North of this Continent [my emphasis] may be diverted from the Western to the Eastern line of Passage.11 Over the following two years there was a concentration of the efforts of the Portmaster and the Marine Board on putting into operation that section of the Act dealing with pilots and also that dealing with harbour lights. Nothing was done for the provision of coast lights. This state of affairs, while with the benefit of hindsight seems the obvious approach for a young colony and a new department, was not entirely satisfactory to a group of Members of the Legislative Assembly. On 25 May 1864 it was moved in the House (I) That a Select Committee be appointed, with power to send for persons and papers, and leave to sit during any adjournment of this House, to enquire into and report upon the present state of the Harbors and f. .{ Rivers of this Colony, and the steps necessary to be taken ·t- towards deepening and improving the same. '" it (2) That such Committee consist of Mr Macalister, Mr Douglas, Mr Sandeman, Mr R. Cribb, Dr Challinor, and the Mover [Mr Bell]. 9 The Question being put and resolved, the Committee convened for the first time on 27 May and J. P. Bell was called to the Chair. Between then and 31 August the Committee met on 12 occasions; on eleven of these they heard evidence from the cross­ examination of witnesses and on the last they considered a draft Report and approved the final version. On the same day J. P. Cape Moreton Lighthouse, an early photograph taken 1901.

Queensland Heritage Page Nineteen The Report of the Committee of the Legislative Assembly was 26 December of that year that the Crown Agent in London in complete agreement with the conclusions reached by the Legis­ wrote to advise the Colonial Secretary that contracts had been lative Council Committee regarding the necessity of a lighthouse entered into for supplying the lighthouses.18 at Sandy Cape. They described it as- The contracts were, with little doubt, those he referred to in ... the site from its position and elevation, the most eligible his Report of 2? April 1866.19 These being with Hennett, Spinks, for erecting a lighthouse, and from which a powerful dioptric and Co., of Bndgewater, for the manufacture of the iron towers light would command the danger. Your Committee desires and with Chance and Co. of Birmingham, for . The to urge this most necessary work, should financial or other amounts of these contracts for towers and lighting apparatus reasons prevent the completion of the other lighthouses together was £10,010 apparently to.b. [see appendix]. mentioned in this Report.12 Almost a year elapsed in which nothing was done and the The "danger" that the Committee speak of is the Breaksea Spit, delay was explained by Brady on 18 May 1867 as being due a long low-lying sandbank extending twenty miles to seaward. solely to the non-arrival of the materials from England.2o Accord­ Apparently the shifting nature of the sand would make it impos­ ing to. him a large demand from other governments for lighthouse sible to erect a lighthouse on the extreme end of the Spit and matenal was the cause of the material not being received until placing a lightship off it would be hazardous and unsafe. the previous month. Bearing in mind the date of construction Other points where it was believed that lighthouses were re­ and erection it is salutary to note what he had to say on the matter quired were Cape Capricorn on , Bustard Head and of costs. Point Danger or Cape Byron. In addition two others merited a The amounts already paid in London on account of the mention, these being Lady Elliott's Island and Double Island. Bustard Head lighthouse amount to nearly £4000; and the The Committee also considered that the harbor lights of the further outlay on account of its erection, exclusive of dwell­ Colony were not in an efficient state and recommended various ings for the light keepers, will be about £5300.21 places that needed lighting.13 The Secretary for Lands and Works, the Hon. A. Macalister, Tenders were apparently called and were to have closed on speaking to J. P. Bell's motion previously referred to was un­ 3 June 1867, however it has not been possible to find why this certain about any practical result being achieved. He despaired was considered unsatisfactory and why, as a consequence in of accomplishing anything until an engineer of harbors was response to a query from the Colonial Treasurer the Colonial appointed, provision for which had been made in the Estimates. Architect Charles Tiffin observed that it would be advisable to The member for Port Curtis, J. Douglas, speaking on the same call fresh tenders.22 On the new closing date, 23 July 1867, motion said that while a large amount of money had been author­ eight had been received ranging from £2000 to £3333. All ised during the previous year for dredging operations only a very tendered for the lighthouse and keeper's house and all agreed to small portion of the vote had been spent to the benefit of the complete the work within six months. The tenders were considered northern ports. He also said that lighthouses on some of the by the Executive Council at their meeting on 24 July and they prominent points of the coast would be very serviceable, and accepted that of W. P. Clark for an amount of £2508. Clark would contribute more to the safety of life and property than was advised of the acceptance of his tender on 3 August 1867 any other expenditure; and some of them might be proceeded and was requested to make the necessary arrangements for with without waiting for the report of an engineer.14 However in commencing the work forthwith. 23 January of the following year Joseph Brady was appointed The acceptance by the government of other than the lowest Engineer of Harbors and Rivers.15 He must have quite early tender brought an immediate letter of enquiry from the lowest heen instructed to consider the question of lighthouses for some­ tenderer, Henry Lawson Ramm and Richard Hargreaves. time during the first five months following his appointment he visited the "north" when he had under consideration plans for Ipswich 23rd .Aug. 1867 the foundations of proposed lighthouses at Bustard Head and Sir Sandy Cape. As a competitor for the'Buildings at Bustard Head I was much surprised to find my estimate ignored and £308 given to At this point it would seem desirable to treat individually Mr Clarke over and above the amount of my tender: now each of the twelve major lighthouses constructed on the Queens­ as there must necessarily be some cause for this I shall feel land coast between 1868 and 1890. rartic1..~hrly obliged if you will inform me why my tender has Bustard H ead16 been set aside and that of Mr Clarke accepted. The desirability or otherwise of using stone for the construction Hoping to hear from you at an early date. of lighthouse towers was considered by the Select Committee of I have the honour to be the Legislative Assembly, Lieutenant Heath affirming that if it Yours obediently were readily available it was desirable on economic grounds. How­ ever the point at Bustard Head where the lighthouse was to be [signed] Richard Hargreaves erected had a foundation of sand and a stone tower could not for self & partner. 24 therefore be considered. The alternative was iron and this To.-Tiffin Esq. subsequently became the standard construction material. Colonial Arch. Writing on 10 June 1865 Brady said that the lanterns and The writers' tender was for £2000 being £508 less than that ironwork for the Sandy Cape and Bustard Head lighthouses of W. P. Clark not £308 as claimed. They were advised that might be expected in the course of a few months. 17 The lights were as the matter referred to was settled by the Government the to be erected in iron towers on the summit of high sand ridges. Colonial Architect was unable to afford the information required.25 He further considered that the ef'ection of huts for the workmen Robert Ferguson was appointed Inspector of Works at Bustard and the temporary buildings for stores, tramways with temporary Head arriving there on 29 August after being detained in Glad­ landing stages and cranes could be proceeded with at once. It stone for seven days by a gale which made it impossible for the was also going to be necessary to have a small steamer of schooner to get outside the Heads. considerable power in attendance during the erection of these Reporting on 2 October he explained the difficult and tedious lights. job that the contractor had in having to blast and then further It is curious that he should have expected the lanterns and break the large granite blocks as the small material available was ironwork to arrive within a few months for it was not until not deemed suitable.26 Because of the difficulties with the

Page Twenty Queensland Heritage limited facilities for preparing the material he had recommended be placed in storage until required. For this purpose the Govern­ the contractor to use sound and hard bricks to build all the out­ ment leased premises from Lynch and Blick at Kangaroo Point. side piers from ground level. Writing on 16 December ] 867 Lieutenant Heath pleaded After being on the island for just over two months he reported further for proceeding with the Sandy Cape Lighthouse. on 4 November that progress on the site was very slow and in It. seems unadvisable to delay the erection of the Sandy Cape part he attributed this to the number of men which he apparently 27 LIghthouse longer than is absolutely necessary, for if in any believed was too small. At the end of that month he again of the cases containing the lenses, there has been the wrote that progress was not so satisfactory as he would have slightest dampness in the tow or paper in which they are wished to report, again mentioning the limited number of men packed, the glass will become covered with mildew which there being two carpenters and ten labourers. However the stor~ no~hing will remove, and the lenses will be almost de~troyed. and shed were then complete, the framework of the superinten­ ThIS has been slightly the case in one of the harbor dent's cottage erected and the foundation piers of one of the lights ... smaller cottages completed. Ferguson himself was testing the T~e Sandy Cape lenses have already been packed about cement for concrete and of this he was not optimistic fearing 36 he would have to condemn it all. tWIce as long as those of the harbor lights. Having been there for four months he was granted ten days As it had come to the notice of the Colonial Architect that leave of absence at the end of December to visit Brisbane. At a bank in Brisbane held a Bill of Sale over the premises where th.e lighthouse material was stored he wrote asking to be furnished the ti~e of his requ~st for le~ve of absence he took the opportunity WIth a copy of the original agreement with a view to making to adv~se the Colomal ArchItect that at the rate of progress being 28 fresh arrangements with Lynch the surviving member of the firm made It would take another four months to finish the contract. 37 On 4 February 1868 the contractor for the work, W. P. Clark, of Lynch and Blick. was advised that the contract time would expire on 13 February . In 18.66 Brady concluded that difficulty would be experienced In seCUrIng a stable foundation for the lighthouse at Sandy Cape and as there was still much to be done he was requested to put 38 on more men to have th.e work completed without further delay. on account of it consisting of the finest of drift sand. In March Furthermore he was remInded that the penalty for non-completion 1868 Tiffin wrote at length on the need to ensure that the sand 29 on which the foundations of the new lighthouse would rest, would in the contract time was £10 per week. By the end of March 39 it was possible for the Clerk of Works to report considerable not move, this being a normal possible hazard. In his letter progress, the concrete having been completed and the base plates he drew attention to an article in the Edinburgh Review of and shell plates erected. Despite hopes of an early completion O~t~ber 1864 dealing with the use of coniferous trees in binding that the above might have given, such was not to be the case. Bad drIftIng sand. He enclosed an extract from the article showing weather during April and May delayed the work. Even on how they were used on the west coast of France in the Gulf of 9 June 1868 while being able to report that the tower itself had Gascony. been completed (including the optical and mechanical work in Robert Ferguson who was Clerk of Works at Bustard Head connection with the lantern room) Ferguson still considered that was requested to accompany Lieutenant Heath on a visit to ~andy a fu~ther fourteen days would be required to complete the work.3o Cape in early June to examine the site for the proposed LIeutenant Heath in his annual report to Parliament said lIghthouse. Heath was apparently in agreement with Tiffin on that h~ had taken nearly a year's supply of oil for the Bustard the desirability of not disturbing the surface of the ground and Head lIghthouse on his northern visit.31 He found that the lenses had put forward the suggestion that a gangway and platform !or the lanterns showed traces of injury from being so long packed should be constructed to work from. Ferguson was asked to . .. consider whether a more economical plan than his In tow and paper and also there was some difficulty in getting 4o the revolving apparatus to work. He thought that the contractor may not be adopted, and report on your return to Brisbane. Clark, appeared to have carried out his work in the erection of Specifications for the proposed lighthouse were to be ready for the tower and buildings very satisfactorily. This opinion was very contractors by the end of June. In preparation for a hoped for diffe~ent from that of his Clerk of Works, Robert Ferguson, who early start and finish, the shell plates and other material which were still in storage were thoroughly overhauled cleaned and consIdered that the contractor's work was far from satisfactory.32 41 ~eath was able to adjust the revolving apparatus so that on repainted in July as tenders were to close on 7 August ]868. leaVIng he reported. As the lowest had made an error in his tender the Colonial Fn?m the offing, the light given by the apparatus was most Architect recommended the next lowest tender for consideration s~tIsfacto.r~; the flashes were intensely brilliant, being dis­ by the Colonial Treasurer. This was from J. and J. Rooney of tInctly VISIble from the high land of Auckland Point at Maryborough for an amount of £4524 in a completion time of Gladstone, a distance of some 30 miles. 33 nine months:~2 At its meeting on 12 August 1868 the Executive The light was exhibited from 29 June ] 868.34 Council advised acceptance of the tender of J. and J. Rooney.43 35 While delay was practised by the government in the matter Sandy Cape of lighthouse construction generally and was tolerated to an In the view of the two committees which considered the extent in the contractor for the Bustard Head lighthouse a 9u~stion of lighth?uses, Sandy Cape was considered pre-eminent distinct change no~ took place. About two months after Rooney In ItS need for a lIghthouse. Indeed, its need could scarcely have Brothers were adVIsed of the award of the contract Tiffin wrote been ~ut in more forc~ble .terms than those used by the Select . .. to request that you will be good enough to inform CommIttee of the LegIslatIve Assembly. While Bustard Head me what steps you have taken in furtherance of the work as has been seen, was actually the first lighthouse to be erected or if you have taken any at all ...44 ' by the Queensland Government on its coast (despite the claims Furthermore they were told t~at they would be charged with made on behalf of Sandy Cape) the original planning covered the the storage costs of the materIal at Kangaroo Point from the two of them. That is the plans drawn and contracts let to Rennett date of the signing of the contract. S:pin~s and Co. of Bridgewater and Chance and Co. of Birming~ They had however chartered the "Resolute" a schooner of ham In ]865 were for two iron towers (Bustard Head and Sandy 64 tons which was firstly to convey the cement they had pur­ Cape) and two sets of lanterns. chased in Sydney to the site. They also pointed out that the Both towers and lantern apparatus were received about the prevalence of the northerly winds was a delaying factor. 45 same time during the second half of 1867 and as nothing had been Work must have made some progress for on 25 February done about the surveying of the sites or even calling tenders for 1869 the first advance on account of the work was forwarded the erection of the lighthouses all the material had perforce to to the Sub Collector of Customs, Maryborough, to be handed

Queensland Heritage Page Twenty-one to J. and J. Rooney. On this occasion £600 was forwarded. of guano on it for on 9 September 1863 J. Askunas wrote to Further advances were £50 on 8 April 1869; £384 on 11 June the Minister of Lands and Works applying for a lease of Lady 1869; £305 on 23 September; £444/15/- on 23 May 1870; Elliott Island £500 on 22 June 1870. · .. for the purpose of removing Guano therefrom, for a term of five years ...54 Progress in the preparation of the site and foun?ations, He offered to pay £100 sterling per annum for the erection of the tower and ancillary buildings may possibly be ·.. sale and exclusive right of removing the Guano. judged by the fact that Henry Buckley, the new owner of the and went on to claim he was the first discoverer of the guano premises being leased for the storage of the tower plates and on the island and had applied in 1861 for a lease but had lantern equipment, was advised that the govern~ent wo~ld been unsuccessful. As others were removing guano without a 46 terminate the lease on 31 May 1869. At least the matenal lease being granted [from the tone of his letter] he then went was being moved probably to Sandy Cape if not for immedia~e on to erection. It would seem that the latter was the case for m · .. beg most respectfully to draw your attention to the March 1870 the Secretary for Works complained that a portion necessity of granting me a lease as above requested, it being of the material had been sent out in a "disgraceful state". The certainly impossible for Government to protect the Island reply to this was that from being cleared ... This material was landed in Brisbane two and a half years Despite his personal appeal to the Colonial Secretary, R. G. W. since.47 Herbert, his claim was not entertained. Instead the Executive On 23 May 1870 the Portmaster telegraphed the Colonial Council to whom his request was referred recommended that Treasurer. tenders be called for the lease of the island for three years. Of the four tenders received by the closing date of 3 November Returned from Sandy Cape all well. Light first lit. on 1863 that of J. Askunas at £300 per annum was accepted. (19th) nineteenth. Weather has been very bad bu.t light Less than a year later the transfer of the lease to W. L. on the whole is satisfactory. Contract for erectIOn of Crowther was approved.55 Askunas apparently stayed on as an buildings has been admirably carried out. employee for Dr Crowther, who was a resident of Hobart, for [signed] G. P. Heath.48 later in 1864 he was writing on behalf of Dr Crowther applying The Sandy Cape Lighthouse stands 400 feet abov~ sea. lev~l, for an extension to the lease. On 19 October 1865 Dr Crowther the tower itself being 99 feet high, bearing a revolvmg dlOptnc himself wrote to the Governor, Sir George Bowen, asking for light of the first order attaining its greatest brilliancy every two an extension to his lease which the Executive Council, to whom minutes.49 the letter was referred, extended to ten years. Lady Elliott Island lying about sixty miles off shore is Later he was to write that the light at Sandy Cape had completely exposed to heavy seas and strong winds from all quite fulfilled the required conditions and the results found to directions.56 The occurrence of a particularly severe storm be in entire accord with the opinions he had expressed to the enabled Commander Heath to draw the attention of the Legis­ government when the position and description were under lative Assembly to the need of a permanent lighthouse for Lady consideration. The Breaksea Spit which had been the greatest Elliott Island. danger on the eastern coast of Australia had become, i!1 ordinary At Lady Elliott's Island, during a very heavy gale in the weather, easier to round by night than by day. Fmally and early part of the year, several of the buildings belonging to possibly more importantly he drew attention to t~e fact that the Guano Company were blown down, and the upper the efficiency of the light tended to add further mducements part of the flagstaff from which the temporary light was to the more general use of the Inner Passage to Torres Straits.5o exhibited was carried away, so that the light, when exhibited Lady Elliott Island at its reduced height, could not be seen, in every direction, clear of the tops of the trees. It was some time before I Lady Elliott Island was among those few points considered heard of this, and could send the Maryborough pilot vessel by the 1864 Select Committee as possible sites for the erection with a shipwright to fit and send up a fresh topmast, and of lighthouses. The Portmaster who was questioned at length properly secure the flagstaff. This shews that the permanent by the committee was of the opinion that if only one lighthouse light now being prepared for this position is urgently were to be built, one at Sandy Cape would be sufficient at that required, especially as the difficulty of communication and time. Lady Elliott Island being not more than fifteen feet above consequent delay much increase[s] the danger that may the water line a lighthouse there would be less expensive than arise from any accident.57 at Sandy Cape as it would be required to be seen only half the distance. He estimated that the expense of a lighthouse in an It was not until 30 May 1872 that an enquiry was made of isolated position would amount to about £1000 per annum and F. D. G. Stanley, Superintendent of Public Buildings, whether the total cost of a lighthouse for that point would be about the plans for the Lady Elliott Island lighthouse were ready for £7000.51 tenders to be called.58 Tenders were called immediately to close on 28 June 1872.59 Neither of the two received was considered Captain Jeffrey, the Admiralty Surveyor, was of the opinion satisfactory both being in excess of a reasonable sum accordi~g that a high lighthouse was not required, merely a small tower to Stanley. Accordingly fresh tenders were called an~ thIS at the top of an elevated spot with a second or third class light. 52 notification elicited nine, but, despite this none was conSIdered In their Report to Parliament of 31 August 1864 the Select satsifactory and Stanley recommended the acceptance of the Committee said 60 Lady Elliott's Island and Double Island are places where original tender of J. and J. Rooney for the sum of £1549. He it will be desirable to erect Lighthouses, in addition to those said further On connection with the Tower, as to construction and already reported upon; but the still limited trade on the material, I would beg to remark that while the present design coast, and the extent of those works which are of a more is more costly than the original, which was similar to those pressing nature, will prevent any action towards their erected on Woody Island and entirely of timber, it is erection at an early date.53 submitted that the increased strength and durability gained However a temporary light was erected there in 1866 which by using boiler plate casing, concrete foundation etc. w~ll was in the form of a tall mast on which the light was exhibited. eventually more than compensate for the gre.ater outlay. m The island in the early days apparently had large deposits the first instance, the shrinkage and decay of tImber sheetmg

Page Twenty-two Queensland Heritage in exposed situations such as the Lighthouse will occupy, answers well the purpose for which it is intended. He also being so great, as to render it almost impossible to keep advised that it had been necessary to place a second lightkeeper the buildings weatherproof. Added to this the destruction on the island as the Australian Guano Company had withdrawn caused by the white ant to all timbers placed below or the man who was in charge of the island, who also acted as upon the ground, is such as to render it most desirable, that occasional keeper. As this would be about the time that Dr every means should be used to place timber framing as far Crowther's lease would have been about to expire the withdrawal as possible beyond their reach. of his representative is understandable. Thus after a period of seven years with only a temporary light Lady Elliott Island had Executive Council approval was given on 24 July 1872 and acquired a permanent lighthouse. on 19 August John and Jacob Rooney signed a Memorandum of Agreement ... To provide the materials for and perform the various x x x x works required in the construction and erection of a Light­ house and cottage at Lady Elliotts Island ... and to complete The Intercolonial Conference which was held in Sydney in the same within Five months from the date of the acceptance February 1873 among other matters resolved that the principal of the said Tender ... officers of the Marine Departments of the Australian Colonies In his Report for the year 1873 Commander Heath announced should meet in conference for consideration of that the temporary light on Lady Elliott Island had been replaced 1. State of the coast lights by a tower forty-five feet high the frame being strongly con­ 2. Management with regard to economy and efficiency structed of hardwood, plated with 18-gauge galvanised iron; the whole building stood upon a concrete foundation. 61 The light 3. Where new lights are required was a revolving light of the fourth order, which though small, 4. To decide upon the most equitable mode in which the was almost equal in brilliancy during its flashes, which are at highway lights of the various Colonies should be intervals of half-a-minute, to a second order fixed light, and maintained.

Lady Elliott Ish::nd. An aerial photograph showing the isl md surrounded by the coral reef with the lighthouse in the lower right foreground.

Queensland Heritage Page Twenty-three The respective officers concerned met in Sydney during. Sep­ However the Executive Council approved of Midson and Son's tember and October of that year to consider the above-mentIOned offer whereby as stated in the Memorandum of Agreement they points. agreed With respect to the first of these points the Conference concluded To provide the materials for and perform the various works that required in the construction and erection of a lighthouse ... without actually visiting the various lights on the Aus­ and cottages at Cape Capricorn at or for the sum of tralian Coast, it would be impossible for them to express Seven hundred and fifty three pounds, and has agreed any decided opinion as to their condition; but they have to complete the same within Three months from the date reason to believe, from information furnished by the rep­ of the acceptance of the said tender ... resentatives of the Colonies, as well as by masters of vessels The "May Queen" (Quinlan & Co.) was chartered to convey constantly passing the lights, and also generally from. the the prefabricated buildings and the various ancillary effects from absence of complaints as to their efficiency, that the hghts Brisbane to Cape Capricorn. The tender for this service was answer the purposes for which they were erected, and bear 40/- per ton and Stanley estimated that 150 tons of materials favourable comparison with those of other parts of the would have to be transported. world.62 Incredible as it may seem the construction of this lighthouse On the matter of economy it was the opinion of the Conference did not take into account the inclusion of fitting up of lightroom, that the substitution of mineral oil for vegetable oil would effect lantern and associated apparatus surely the very sine qua non a lowering of costs and at the same time result in a considerable of a lighthouse! increase in the intensity of the smaller lights. They could not As a result, Stanley on reporting the estimated completion however, recommend its use in first or second class dioptric lights by 19 June 1875 requested authority for the expenditure of until its safety and advantages had been more fully tested. £180 to rectify this omission. Apparently it had in the first The Conference considered the need of further coast lights instance been intended by the Portmaster that the lightroom was on a national basis. Those recommended for Queensland were to have been of cast iron and sent from England with the lantern. a light at North Reef, Capricorn Channel to be a second order This arrangement was however altered at the last minute resulting light being in the tower having no lightroom. Stanley describing the work as fixed three minutes, flashing every fourth urgent, (an understatement if ever there was one), said it would and a first order light at Booby Island, and three light-vessels.63 be necessary to provide for the construction of a lightroom with Like the earlier recommendations of its Select Committees iron galleries in timber framing with iron plating. the Queensland' Government did not pay too close attention to Midson having completed his contract to the "full satisfaction" those of the Conference discussed above. Thus while a light­ of the Colonial Architect's Office had the "detention money" on house was erected at North Reef some five years later it was the contract returned to him on 7 August 1875. It may be some seventeen years before the Booby Island lighthouse was estimated that the lighthouse was complete and the light operating completed. in late July 1875.68 Cape Capricorn64 North Reef69 In chronological order the next lighthouse to be erected was North Reef as a desirable site for the erection of a lighthouse that on Cape Capricorn which forms the northern tip of Curtis was first officially mentioned in the Report of Proceedings of the Island a little to the north of Gladstone. Conference of the Principal Officers of the Marine Departments Early in 1874 F.D.G. Stanley who had by then been appointed of the !Iustralasian Colonies of 1873.70 to the vacant position of Colonial Architect wrote that plans for Commander Heath reported in 1874 that it had been agreed this lighthouse had been prepared and that the building would at the Lighthouse Conference that each colony should pay the be constructed of hardwood cased with sheet iron. He estimated expenses of its own coast lights.71 However those lights on islands the cost of the building with cottages to amount to £ 1460.65 and in channels away from the mainland should be maintained Tenders were then called but by closing date (20 Feb 1874) conjointly by the various colonies, so that while the Queensland none had been received in Brisbane and only one in Rockhamp­ Government would be required to assist in the support of some ton.66 This was from John Ferguson for £2850, the work to be lights in the other colonies would now assist in.the completed in twelve months. Stanley commented that his care­ support of the light on Lady Elliott Island and the proposed hght fully estimated cost was £1600 for the tower and £600 for the on the North Reef, Capricorn Channel. two cottages and Ferguson's was greatly in excess of a reasonable It was not however until 28 October 1875 that any concrete sum for the work. His recommendation at this stage was for move was made toward a start on this project. On that date the fresh tenders to be called for the construction of the tower only Colonial Architect submitted the following to the Under Secretary, leaving the remainder of the work to be carried out by the Public Works. government. On again calling tenders two were received and a Memorandum Submitting plan of Proposed Lighthouse third arrived too late for consideration.67 North Reef Capricorn Channel. James Midson of Charlotte Street with a tender for a total In accordance with instructions I have the honour to submit amount of £1046/10/- was successful on this occasion in acquiring herewith plan and estimate of proposed new lighthouse at the contract. The lighthouse was to cost £549/10/- and the the above place. two cottages £497 and were to be completed in fourteen and In connection therewith I have to report that the reef con­ ten weeks respectively. sists of coral rock covered by about 6 feet of water at high Midson must have completed the construction some time in tides and having in centre a bank of sand about 600 ft in October for on 2 November Stanley wrote to the Under Secretary, length by 40 feet in width. Public Works advising him that the lighthouse and cottages had On a personal examination of the spot during July last I been framed together in Brisbane and were ready for shipment gathered such information a,s satisfied me that any Tower to the site. He submitted a "tender" from Midson and Son for placed thereon would have to be of a permanent and sub­ erection of the buildings complete on the site for the sum of stantial character, and that the plan of the Tower and £753. Stanley thought this was reasonable and recommended dwellings would have to be modified from those already same. It would seem that tenders were not called from the erected to suit the peculiar nature of the site. general public by means of the Government Gazette so that It is proposed to erect the tower as a centre the dwellings Midson and Son can only be said to have made a private offer for Lightkeepers being arranged round the base of the same. or quotation to erect the buildings on the site at Cape Capricorn. The foundation for the whole structure will be in cement

Page Twenty-four Queensland Heritage concrete contained within a Cast iron cylinder 40 feet in diameter carried down 15 feet through the sand bank to the cap of the coral reef and 2 feet into same. In order to Provide storage for water and also to economise the quantity of concrete required it is proposed to form circular tanks below floor level as shown in Section. These can be supplied from water shed from sides of tower and roof of Quarters, no fresh water is, of course, obtainable on the site. It is suggested that the building be constructed in the first place either at Rockhampton Maryborough or Brisbane a contract being taken to include this portion of the work and the erection of the site and that freight of material from either of the above places to the Reef be provided by Government. From estimate prepared in detail I calculate the cost of this work at £7500 Stg. and would remark in connection there­ with that I have aimed at making the whole as substantial I in character as possible which appears to me a matter of unusual importance from the very exposed nature of the site.72 It would seem then, that this project was going to be one of I the, if not the most difficult of all the lighthouses previously erected by the Queensland Government. Tenders were called on 29 January ] 876 and five tenders were received at the closing date of 3 March.73 These ranged from £7964 (£8200 if in stone) to £13,793 (£14,493), the lowest being from John Walker and Co. of Maryborough. It would appear that tenders had been called for in error since sufficient monies for this work had not been voted. As a consequence the Executive Council on 28 March withdrew the recommended tender and noted it ~ To be brought up again when the money is voted. ~ " If In April Walker and Co. wrote to say that they were quite !Ii <"! I prepared to go on with the work and had purchased a very I .. suitable schooner to carry the material and provisions to the lighthouse and any great delay would be a great loss to them. On 4 May they wrote at some length to the Minister of Works Re. Lighthouse. We regret to learn that owing to sufficient money not being available, Your government do not see their way clear to go on with the work for some three months This unfortunately in the present unexceptionably dull season is a very serious matter to us, for the following reasons, When you called for tenders for the work we spared neither labor nor expense in making out our tender & cal­ culations at such a price that would ensure us getting the work We looked upon it more in the light of being able to keep North Reef Lighthouse showing living quarters around and attached to our present staff of hands employed during these dull times, the base of the tower. than of making much profit out of the job. Never for a single moment doubting but that we should have been able being done us by delaying this matter after going to the to have gone on with the work without any delay whatever expense that we have already done, and trusting that you Acting on this supposition we have been the means of will be pleased to cause instructions to be forwarded to keeping some tradesmen that we have engaged for the us to proceed with the Work without further delay74 job from leaving this district, in fact putting them off from This letter was referred to the Under Secretary, Treasury, with week to week until we are ashamed to do it any longer­ the appended query In addition to this we purchased a Schooner specially for Is Lighthouse on North Reef required? the job, and have arranged for material from Parties Walker and Co. then offered to proceed with the foundations which we had hoped to have carried out before this, We for an amount of £4800 and while this procedure was recom­ would also remind you that the best season of the year is mended to the Executive Council they would not approve of it now on for fixing the cylinder and getting the foundations until the entire amount (evidently the entire amount for the in, complete lighthouse) was voted. Five months passed and not Although the whole of the funds necessary to carry it having heard from the government John Walker and Co. tele­ out to completion is not voted, this we would respectfully graphed Stanley to ask if the estimate for the Capricorn Light­ submit is of little importance as it would be at least 4 or house had been passed. Jt must be assumed that it had for in 5 mos before half of the money would be required and December the Crown Solicitor prepared the Memorandum of over three (3) months before we would be in a position of Agreement for the construction and erection of a lighthouse on applying for any money at all the North Reef. There was now a further change of mind and We would in conclusion ask you to draw your colleagues the government proposed to have the complete lighthouse pro­ attention to the injustice that we very naturally think is ceeded with rather than just the foundations as had been the

Queensland Heritage Page Twenty-five case six months previously. Time, from the point of view of sustained by Walker and Co. Nevertheless this loss was a result the government, was apparently of little importance for almost of a misapprehension or miscalculation on their part and not a full year elapsed between the calling of tenders and the signing affecting the specification or contract. On the matter of the of the Memorandum of Agreement. silicate paint he had been informed that it was brought to the At the end of December Walker & Co. sought exemption from Reef in a ship bringing other material and as a result was of the the normal and accepted practice of depositing with the govern­ opinion that they had not been put to any extra expense. ment ten per cent (10%) of the total sum of the contract as a Upon receipt of this report the Under Secretary, Department form of security. Instead they proposed naming two persons who of Public Works wrote to Walker and Co. to advise them that would stand as surety for the firm and supported their claim the government was unable to recognise their claim for com­ by pointing out that "another Department" had adopted the pensation in the matters referred to. practice they favoured. They also said that the money could On completion of this lighthouse Commander Heath wrote on most conveniently be used in their business. The governme~t 26 June 1879 declined to entertain their proposal but were agreeable to theIr ... The lighthouse at North Reef was completed by the making a fixed deposit of the requisite amount in favour of the contractors in the middle of November last, some 14 months government. Apparently Walker and Co. thought there was a after the expiration of their contract, when the apparatus deliberate evasion of their earlier request and wrote again on 10 was fixed in position, and the light satisfactorily exhibited for January 1877 to point out that their request had been for per­ the first time. The tower, which has a timber framing mission to substitute two responsible persons as bondsmen for sheathed with galvanized iron, and is 60 feet in height, the due performance of the contract instead of being compelled stands with the surrounding dwelling-rooms on a cylinder to make a money deposit. They made known that what had of cast-iron, 40 feet in diameter, filled in with concrete, been previously referred to as "another Department" was in except certain spaces, which form a fresh water tank to fact the Harbors and Rivers Department. This department they supply the establishment. The cylinder is bedded on the said had adopted two courses, that which was applicable depended on the particular type of construction work being done. On the one hand a sum equal to half the amount of the percentage was banked as a fixed deposit and a bond for the other half was insisted on as a security and on the other hand two responsible persons as sureties would be accepted. On receipt of this letter the matter was put to the Executive Council on 16 January 1877 but the result, a brief "Cannot recommend" only served to confirm the advice earlier given Walker and Co. They were advised on 20 January and accepting the decision as final deposited with Foreman of Works, W. Bragg the amount of £794 six days later. Some idea of the delay that had occurred can be seen in a Report by the Colonial Architect, F. D. G. Stanley dated 29 May 1877.75 Here he wrote of the "most important contract" for the Tower on the North Reef. He himself had visited the site in June 1875 and had the necessary borings for foundations etc. made. According to him good progress had been made with castings for the large foundation cylinder and the frame of the tower. He anticipated (a forlorn hope indeed) that a large portion and probably the whole of the building would be completed on the site during that winter. It was most desirable that advantage was taken of the winter months for that work. Low Island Lighthouse with living quarters of keeper and assistants As Walker and Co. claimed a heavy outlay in preparing material in foreground. they requested of the Colonial Architect to arrange for the return solid rock, and stands quite independently of the shifting of one half of their deposit money on the contract for the North coral patch which surrounds it; the total height of the Reef Lighthouse. Stanley was apparently sympathetic and on 20 structure, from the top of the cylinder to the vane at the February 1878 recommended that this be allowed but his letter top of the lantern dome, is about 85 feet. The dwelling­ was returned noted rooms of the keepers are placed round the basement story, the The Secy. for Works declines to authorize any departure whole forming one compact building. The building has been from the usual practice of the Dept. well designed and executed, and the light, as seen from The North Reef Lighthouse would have been completed in seaward, is all that could be desired. The island is composed November of 1878 for on 27 November John Walker and Co. of nothing but dead coral, which shifts more or less during wrote to advise that their contract was completed, and to request heavy gales, its· total extent not exceeding 200 yards by that the Australian Joint Stock Bank be instructed to refund the 80. The island is surrounded by a reef, which partially dries £794 together with the accrued interest.76 at low water, and in moderate weather forms a good shelter The return of the deposit as recommended by Stanley was 77 made on 2 December 1878 for vessels visiting the lighthouse. ... the work having been satisfactorily completed ... Low Isles/Low Island78 but did not close the matter. About a week after seeking their Authorization for the construction of a lighthouse on Low refund of the fixed deposit Walker and Co. submitted a claim for Island was sought in a letter of 5 February 1876 from Com­ extra costs involved in the building of the lighthouse. They mander Heath to the Colonial Treasurer. This was forwarded claimed for 500 casks of cement at 26/- per cask and £25 being to the Department of Public Works with a note on it to the the cost of despatching a special vessel from Maryborough with effect that the immediate attention of the Colonial Architect was the silicate paint. The Colonial Architect was asked to report on to be directed to these works bearing in mind the amounts of this and he advised that he had no doubt that a considerable the respective Votes available for each service. As the con­ loss, of about £300, in connection with the cement concrete was struction of the lighthouses could best be proceeded with during

Page Twenty-six Queensland Heritage the approaching winter season, everything should be prepared up the matter with the Colonial Treasurer on 18 June 1878 who beforehand for the erection of the lighthouse as early as possible immediately requested the Works Department to obtain Executive and tenders should be immediately invited. authority "at once". For some unknown reason a long delay again occurred for it . On 24 August it was reported that W. P. Clark had completed was not until 29 May 1877 that Stanley wrote that plans had hIS contract for the erection of Low Island Lighthouse in accord­ been prepared and tenders called and received for a tower on the ance with plans and specifications, to the satisfaction of the Low Islands near Cairns.79 Five tenders were received and at Colonial Architect's Office and the retention monev on account their meeting on 15 May 1877 the Executive Council approved of the tender could be returned. . that recommended by the Colonial Architect. This was a tender On 9 December 1878 Stanley wrote that he had visited the by William Peter Clark who agreed in the Memorandum of lighthouse which had recently been completed and lit up about Agreement three weeks previously.'~l He considered the work both in the ... to provide the material for and perform the various works tower and cottages satisfactory. required in the construction and erection of a Lighthouse Commander Heath said of Low Island Lighthouse that it and Cottage at Low Island near Cairns at or for the sum was similar to that at Cape Bowling Green except that it stood of Three thousand one hundred and ninety five pounds ~m a concrete foundation and was sheathed with galvanised (£3195) and to complete the same within seven months from mstead of black plates.82 This use of galvanised iron was to the eleventh day of June 1877 being the date of the lead to trouble later when it corroded. He described the Western acceptance of the said Tender.80 Island, on which the lighthouse stood, as a low wooded island about 100 yards in diameter but connected with the Eastern In July a further appropriation of £220 was sought for Island and surrounded by a coral reef which mostly dries at improving the accommodation to be provided in the lightkeepers' low water. The Western Island though apparently the larger was cottages. Stanley said that in the past these had been erected in really only composed of mangroves. the smallest and cheapest scale but he considered that in isolated positions such as Low Island suitable provision should be made for the men and their families. * * * Writing on 26 October 1877 Stanley estimated that the light­ This article is based on research done originally for the house would be ready for shipment three weeks later and, as Commonwealth Department of Shipping and Transport. the Foreman of Works for Northern District would not be able The author would like to acknowledge the help received in t~e to exercise proper control, sought authority to engage a Foreman preparation of this article from the staff of the Oxley Memorial for three months at a salary of £200 per annum. LIbrary and the encouragement and advice of Mr R. C. Sharman of the Queensland State Archives. In May 1878 the Government received a most extraordinary Illust.rations used have been made available through Mr R. A. letter conveying imputations on the work done at Low Island WackwItz of the Department of Shipping and Transport. Lighthouse. The Hon Wm. Miles Esq Sir I hope you will excuse this letter, but at the same time REFERENCES 0 I hope you will give your honourable consideration to it as 1. L'ltitude 27 2' south and Longitude 153 0 28' east. ") c.-hance Brother~ and Company Limited. A fell' notes on modern it affects the undersigned and also the Government the reason lighthouse pracflce, quoted in Thos. Welsby, Memories of Amitv. of me writing this I have been robbed of my wages and the Watson Ferguson and Co. Ltd., Brisbane 1922. . same indivual [sic.] is also trying to rob the Government 3. James R. Atkinson, 'The lighting of our coast", Proceedings and although there is an inspector living there to see the work Tra!!SactLOns of the Queensland Branch of the Royal Geographical properly performed he is not doing so the work I complain Society of Australasia, Vol. X 1894-95 p.74. 4. He ha.d left England on 5 May and by Minute of the Executive of is Low Woody Island Light House the inspector that was C.ounc~l of 3. September 1860 he was to be paid half the salary of sent up gave his Government tent to Mr Clarke's men and he hIS offIce dUrIng the period of travel and the whole salary viz. £400 went to live with Mr Clarke drink out of the same bottle per annum from date of arrival in the colony [Executive Minute K and one cook do for them both if you neglect looking after 3 September 1860 Q.S.A. 91/2]. ' 5. A~ong these was on~ on The impediments to the navigation of the the work it will be somthing [sic.] like the river affair at RIver ~remer, and hiS Survey of the "New Harbour" or Murruche­ Port Mackay if you please to have the work examined you Juan River. [Q.S.A. COLlAI4. 933 of 1861 and COLlAI5. 1006 will find stones the first lot only a few inches below the of 1861]. surface of the Light house some of them about two feet 6. Executive Minute K2. 4 January 1862 [Q.S.A. 91/5]. 7. Queensland Government Gazette 24 December 1869 p. 1796. in length and the Flat Top Light House was not quite so 8. An Act to Provide for the better Management of the Ports and bad as the former part of the stone in the latter was not Harbours of.Queensland and for the better Regulation of Shipping quite to the gauge Sir should you require me to prove the and to Constitute a Board to be called the Marine Board of Queens­ assertions in this letter you can find me by letter at Mill­ land. (26 Victoria No.2. Assented to 2 July 1862). 9. Queensland Parliamentary Deba.tes First Series Vol. I 1864 p. 109, chester hopine; you will look into the matter I beg to remain 10. Report from the Select CommIttee on the Rivers and Harbors of yours faithfully the Colony. [Queensland VoteJ: and Proceedings 1864 p. 1199]. Caire Bell 11. Report from the Select CommIttee on Additional Lighthouses for Coasts and Harbors. [Queensland Journals of the Legislative Council c/o Thos Raine (with papers) Vol. VII 1864 Paper no. 371- Millchester 12. V. and P. 1864 pp. 1199-1200. The Hon Wm Miles Esqr May 7. 1878 13. V. and P. 1864 p. 1200. Brisbane 14. Q.P.D. First Series Vol. I 1864 p. 110. 15. Exe.cutive Min~te F2, 20 January 1865. [Q.S.A. 91/11]. This was considered sufficiently serious to warrant a report 0 16. LatItude 24 1 south and Longitude 151 0 47' east. from the Colonial Architect. Stanley reported back on 4 June 17. Report from the Engineer of Harbors and Rivers upon the various to advise that he had had Mr Clerk of Works, Ferguson make works in progress, etc. [V. and P. 1865 pp. 1296-1297]. a special visit to the tower and he had reported the work carried 18. Q.S.A. COLlB7 Letter No. 506. 19. Report from the Engineer of Harbors and Rivers. [V. and P 1866 out in a satisfactory and faithful manner and according to the p. 1575]. . contract. 20. Harbors and Rivers Works (Engineer's Report). [V. and P 1867 Apparently neither Parliamentary nor Executive authority had Vol. II p. 754]. . been obtained for the payment of the salary of the temporary 21. V. and P. 1867 Vol. II p. 754. 22. Endorsement of Colonial Architect II June 1867 on Memo from Foreman employed at Low Island. The Auditor General took Colonial Treasurer 7 June 1867. [Q.S.A. ARC/6 p. 500] ..

Queensland Heritage Page Twenty-seven 23. Letter from Colonial Architect. [Q.S.A. ARC/6 1246 of 1867 p.506]. 74. Report of Works under Colonial Architect's Office for the year 1876. 24. Correspondence referred to the Colonial Architect respecting Bustard [V. and P. 1877 Vol. III p. 571]. Head Lighthouse. [Q.S.A. ARC/4 1872 of 1867]. 75. Report. [V. and P. 1877 Vol. III p. 571]. 25. Colonial Architect to Hargreaves 2 September 1867. [Q.S.A. ARC/6 76. A fixed and flashing dioptric light of the second order, it is exhibited 1259 p. 511]. from a white circular tower 80 feet in height standing on a sandbank 26. Ferguson to Colonial Architect. [Q.S.A. ARC/4 1595 of 1867]. near the western end of the reef. It shows as a fixed light for two 27. Ferguson to Colonial Architect. [Q.S.A. ARC/4 1628 of 1867]. minutes, followed by two flashes in succession, at an interval of one 28. Ferguson to Colonial Architect. 22 December 1867. [Q.S.A. ARC/4 minute; the series of changes occupying four minutes. 1647 of 1867]. 77. Report of the Department of Ports and Harbours. [V. and P. 1879 Vol. II p. 912]. 29. Colonial Architect to W. P. Clark. [Q.S.A. ARC/6 1334 of 1868 0 0 p. 540]. 78. Latitude 16 23' south and Longitude 145 35' east. 30. Ferguson to Colonial Architect. [Q.S.A. ARC/4 1703 of 1868]. 79. Report. [V. and P. 1877 Vol. III p. 571]. 31. Report of the Portmaster upon the Ports and Harbors of the 80. All further correspondence referred to in relation to Low Island Colony. [V. and P. 1868-9 p. 595]. lighthouse unless otherwise stated. [Q.S.A. WOR/A156 5324 of 32. Ferguson to Colonial Architect 22 June 1868. [Q.S.A. ARC/4 1878] . 1707 of 1868]. 81. A revolving dioptric light of the third order on a tower 65 feet 33. V. alld P. 1868-9 p. 596. above the level of high water and achieving its greatest brilliancy 34. The Colonial Architect to the Under Secretary for Public Works, every minute. Reporting on operations of his Department for 1868. [V. alld P. 82. Report. [V. and P. 1879 Vol. II p. 912]. 1868 p. 502]. 35. Latitude 24 0 44' south and Longitude 153 0 12' east. 36. Report of the Portmaster upon the Ports and Harbors of the Colony. ** * [V. alld P. 1867 Vol. II p. 760]. 37. Colonial Architect to Under Secretary to Treasury 12 December 1867. APPENDIX [Q.S.A. ARC/6 1312 of 1867 p. 530]. 38. Report from Engineer of Harbors and Rivers. [V. and P. 1866 [From Q.S.A. COLIA77 In-Letter 847 of 1866] p. 1575]. Indent of Light house buildings and Illuminating Apparatus 39. Tiffin to The Under Secretary to the Treasury 3 March 1868 [Q.S.A. required for the Queensland Government. ARC/6 1349 of 1868 p. 545]. 40. Colonial Architect to Ferguson 19 May 1868. [Q.S.A. ARC/6 Iron Light House, Sandy Cape - To be 65 feet in height 1379 of 1868 p. 558]. from base to floor of Lantern, 28ft diameter at Base, 14 feet at 41. The Colonial Architect to the Under Secretary for Public Works, ~op or the necessary Size for receiving a lantern for a Dioptric Reporting on Operations of his Department, for 1868. [V. and P. hght of the 1st Order - The site of the Light House is on the 1868 p. 502]. ft 42. Endorsement on Schedule of tenders for Light House, Sandy Cape top of a sand hill 313 above the sea level the top of the hill is forwarded to Under Secretary to the Treasury on 10 August 1868. 66ft in width, the sides are rather steep but permament [sic] [Q.S.A. ARC/6 1400 of 1868 p. 566]. being covered with vegation [sic] including trees of Moderate 43. Executive Council Minutes referred to the Colonial Treasurer 12 Size, - though the soil is to all appearance loose sand, August 1868. [Q.S.A. TRE/E13 No. 68/224]. 44. Tiffin to J. and J. Rooney on 23 Octoher 1868. [Q.S.A. ARC/6 It would be desirable to consult some practical engineer in 1438 of 1868 pp. 578-79]. England as to the best foundation to be supplied for such a 45. Memo. Colonial Architect to Under Secretary to the Treasury 26 site. I have proposed a large base viz 28 feet for the purpose November 1868. [Q.S.A. ARC/6 1444 of 1868 p. 581]. of extending the area of the foundation which I have suggested 46. Colonial Architect to Buckley 30 April 1869. [Q.S.A. ARC/6 1495 of 1869 p. 599]. should be of screw piles, 47. Q.S.A. TRE/B7 378 1 March 1870. If this description of foundation is considered desirable the 48. Heath to Colonial Treasurer. [Q.S.A. TRE/AIO 787 of 1870]. necessary piles suitable for such a situation as I have described 49. List at Lighthouses, Lighted Beacons, and Floating Lights on the must be sent all ready fitted with the tower - There is no stone Queensland Coast. Brisbane, Government Printer 1895 p. 10. 50. Report upon the Ports and Harbors of the Colony. [V. and P. for concrete near the spot probably not within 40 Miles.- 1871-2 p. 765]. The tower to be of best wrought iron plate of proper thick­ 51. Evidence given before the Select Committee on the Rivers and ness & proportions - to contain 5 floors besides the top floor, Harbors of the Colony 1 June 1864. [V. and P. 1864 p. 1209]. The lower compartment to be 10 feet high, the remaining four 52. Evidence 15 June 1864. [V. and P. 1864 p. 1225]. floors to be of equal height, The lower room to have a door 53. Report. [V. and P. 1864 p. 1200]. 54. All correspondence referred to in relation to guano on Lady Elliott opening outside, while the entrance to the Light House should Island unless otherwise stated. [Q.S.A. LWO/A25 2251 of 1865]. be on the floor above to be reached by a flight of steps & small 55. Executive Minute R, 31 August 1864. [Q.S.A. 91110]. landing outside the tower, 0 56. Latitude 24 0 T south and Longitude 153 45' east. The general features of the Tower to be similar to the second 57. V. and P. 1871-2 p. 765. 58. All further correspondence referred to in relation to Lady Elliott Island Order Light House supplied to the Russian Government for lighthouse unless otherwise stated. [Q.S.A. WOR/A65 1173 of 1873]. Riga Harbour by Messrs Wilson & Co of 14 Cannon Street, The 59. Gazette 1872 p. 841. illuminating apparatus & lantern to be procured from Messrs 60. Gazette 1872 p. 977. Chance BroS to be Dioptric Holophotal, of the 1st Order­ 61. Report by the Portmaster upon the Harbor Departments of the Colony, for the year 1873. [V. and P. 1874 Vol. II p. 846]. revolving at intervals of two minutes - Arc to be illuminated 0 62. Report of Proceedings of the Conference of the Principal Officers 315 - elevation above the Sea level 385 feet, full power of of the Marine Departments of the Australasian Colonies ... [V. and Light required at twenty-seven miles, to be all fitted complete P. 1874 Vol. II p. 821]. for erection.- 63. Report. [V. and P. 1874 Vol. II p. 822]. The iron Light House for Bustard Head - 33 ft from 64. Latitude 23 0 29' south and Longitude 15 to 15' east. ft 65. All further correspondence referred to in relation to Cape Capricorn foundation to Lantern floor, To be 18 Diameter at base & 12 lighthouse unless otherwise stated. [Q.S.A. WOR/A 1172331 of 1876]. at top, or the proper size for receiving a lantern for a second 66. Gazette 1874 Vol. I p. 146. order light - These proportions of diameter may be altered if 67. Gazette 1874 Vol. I p. 797. any benefit will be gained thereby.- To contain three floors 68. That erected was a third order revolving dioptric light. The revolutions were at intervals of one minute and the light being besides Lantern floor, 310 feet above sea level was visible for 23 miles. The lower one 9ft high & remaining space to be divided 69. Latitude 23 0 11' south and Longitude 15to 56' east. between the other two Jloors, entrance to be the same as Light 70. V. and P. 1874 Vol. II p. 821. House for Sandy Cape 71. Report for the year 1873. [V. and P. 1874 Vol. II p. 846]. Light to be Dioptric, holophotal, fi~ed -. varied by short 72. All further correspondence referred to in relation to North Reef Eclipses - Of the second order - to Illummate An Arc of

lighthouse unless otherwise stated. [Q.S.A. WOR/A 164 1334 of 0 1879] . 245 , elevation 330 above Sea level; Light required to be seen 73. Gazette 1876 Vol. I p. 176. as far as horizon.-

Page Twenty-eight Queensland Heritage From Messrs Chance Bros Birmingham

For Woody Island - Hervey's Bay 4 th Order Dioptric Apparatus to illuminate 0 ft An Arc of 270 - elevation 200 - full power of Light required to a distance of 12 Miles.

4 th Order Dioptric Apparatus to illuminate 0 ft An Arc of 180 - elevation 170 - full power of Light required to a distance of 12 Miles.

Gatcombe Head - Port Curtis N° 3 Port Curtis.- 5th Order Dioptric Apparatus to 0 illuminate An Arc of 270 - elevation 60ft - full power of Light required to a distance of 6 Miles.

Port Denison N° 4 5 [th] Order Dioptric Apparatus to 0 illuminate An Arc of 270 - elevation 90ft - full power of Light required to a distance of 7 Miles.

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With these 4 th & 5th Order Dioptric Apparatus Nothing is 2 gross white chimneys for 1 inch circular burners, which are required besides the lenses, frames & reflectors, except the to be exactly the same size as those supplied to Messrs Brooks pedestals & cleaning apparatus, Moderator lamps are not required. Brisbane 50 feet pale red glass for Light House purposes & signal 1 gross Pale red chimneys Do Do Do lanterns 1 " White chimneys for It inch Flat burners ft ft 3/32 or 11 thick sheets 3 x 2 6 inches 1" "" ,,1 """ 300 feet plate glass t inch thick, sheets 3 x 2ft 6 inches 1 " Pale red" ,,1t" "" 2 Dozen lamp scissors 1 " """ n 1 " " " I piece of Cloth for cleaning Glass lenses. 1 " Green " ,,1t" " " 2 Dozen chamois leather 1" "" ,,1 """ 100bs rouge.- Also 6 Circular Kerosine burners, to be so constructed as to give a flame approaching as nearly as possible in diameter & From Messrs Hinks Birmingham shape that of the flame of a lamp for a 4th Order dioptric Light Manufacturers of Kerosine lamps &c as Manufactured by Messrs Chance Brothers.- 3 Dozen 1 inch circular Kerosine burners Also to fit these burners 2 gross of chimneys & I gross wicks 2 " It " flat " " From Messrs G. & I. Oliver 2 " 1 " " " " N° 286 Wapping To be made of stout metal & brazed at the 6 Cast white flint glass dioptric lenses 12 x 10 inches joints, no soft solder to be used in their Similar to those supplied to Messrs Perry Bros Brisbane construction. 6 " 9 inch Do Do Do

1 Gross wicks for 1 inch circular burners [signed] G. P. Heath Lieut R.N. 1" " "It " flat " 1 " " ,,1 Portmaster " " " Brisbane, Queensland 10 April 1865.

Queensland Heritage Page Twenty-nille