Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L01231:reg:2023:p11
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023L01231
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 2023 (pt 11/12)
Character Range: 28520–31276

reported Chance Bros. & Co. Birmingham had been contacted and were to provide a light suitable for Cape Sorell.[14]
Construction
Following finalisation of the design, tenders were called and the construction of Cape Sorell Lighthouse was awarded to the Duff Bros. and their tender of £5580.[15] The project's progress was reported in the Zeehan and Dundas Herald:
    Mr R. Duff, of Duff Bros., Hobart, contractors for the building of the lighthouse at Cape Sorell, arrived on Zeehan yesterday. The lighthouse is situated some two miles from Macquarie entrance, and is so located that it will prove a convenience to vessels trading either from the North or South. The tower, when completed, will be 100ft high from the foundation, which is of cement built on the solid reef. Nearly 400,000 bricks will be used in the building of the tower, made at Messers Duff Bros. works, New Town. At the base the lighthouse measures 40ft, and is cemented for 30ft. The light will show for a distance of 20 miles. and will be over 200ft above water level. Two brick five-roomed cottages have been built for assistants, and an either-roomed brick residence is now in course of construction for the head keeper. The tower is completed for 70ft, and the contractors expect to finish the work some time next month.[16]
A wooden tramway was laid down from Pilot Bay to the construction site, approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) apart, upon which building materials were transferred to and from the site.[17] On 28 February 1899, the Tasmanian News reported that the R.M.S. Papanui, which was carrying Cape Sorell's lamp, had arrived from London and its installation was to be instantaneous.[18]
Construction was completed in May 1899 and an opening ceremony was held on 2 October the same year. This ceremony was performed by Captain J. W. Evans, M.H.A., Master Warden of the Hobart Marine Board. The ceremonial party also consisted of Strahan and Hobart Marine Board members.[19]
Equipment when built
Upon completion, the Cape Sorell Lighthouse stood as a 40-metre brick structure, fitted with a Chance Bros & Co. 2nd Order dioptric light, which was fuelled by vaporised kerosene and composed of alternating white and red flashes every 22.5 seconds. In good weather the visibility of the white flash, with an intensity of 208,000 candlepower, allegedly reached 20 miles (32km). The red flash, with an intensity of 83,000 candlepower, reached 12 miles (19km) in distance. The light originally rotated by weights, pulleys and ropes. The lamp installed was regarded as a 'Piston Pressure Lamp' which fed a four-wick Trinity burner.[20]
The tower was accompanied by an engine room, three cottages for the assistant keepers and Superintendent stationed at the light.[21] Cape Sorell