Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L01056:reg:1995:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L01056
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 1995 (pt 2/3)
Character Range: 39852–42551

lights.
Firewood can be obtained in abundance, cut ready for use, at Flinders Bay, distant 2 ¼ miles.
The duration of the flash is too short for practical purposes. To increase the duration of the flash, and preserve the present character of the light (flashing every five seconds), would necessitate a new optical apparatus. This would be unreasonable, considering the excellent condition and value of the present optical apparatus. To insert a third panel would be almost as costly as an undertaking.
Small vessels in the heavy sea that is met with in this locality have the greatest difficulty, owing to the motion of the vessel, in obtaining a bearing of this light at night, on account of the shortness of the flash. The flash can be lengthened by increasing the period of the light to flashing every nine seconds, and increasing the diameter of the burner.
The weight-tubes are not placed to the best advantage, and should be transposed on the next occasion that general repairs require to be carried out.
Communication: By road to Flinders Bay, 2 ¼ miles. Connected by telephone with Busselton (distant 60 miles), Cape Naturaliste (distant 50 miles), and to main telegraph system. Provisions by coastal steamer every five or six weeks. Mails weekly, via Karridale Timber Company's railway.
Fogs: Fogs lasting from two to six hours have been recorded, occurring principally in the early morning, between November and March. Dense smoky haze and heavy mist are also experienced, particularly in the early morning.
Soundings: Great attention should be paid to the caution on the Admiralty Chart. The use of lead should never be neglected. The soundings on the Chart are of a complete and suitable nature, and vessels, by maintaining a depth of over 40 fathoms, can assure their safety. This depth should leave a vessel at least 10 miles from the light, and well clear of all outlying dangers.
RECOMMENDED:
(a) The speed of the light be altered by (1) inserting new spur wheels in the clock; and (2) substituting for the present 85 mm. mantle an installation of three mantles, each 55 mm. This will increase the beam of the light, also the power of the light, by about 40 per cent, and produce a character of one flash of fully one-third second duration every nine seconds. Candle-power, about 630,000, Provided the use of the lead (an ordinary precaution in navigation) is never neglected, even though the light is in sight, this should provide adequately and efficiently for the purposes of navigation.
(b) The weight-tubes be correctly placed.
(c) One assistant light-keeper be withdrawn.

Alterations to the Light
Changes to the light at Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse have occurred due to advances