Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00072:front:0:p13
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024L00072
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doors, an inner and outer door. The purpose of this design was to ensure winds from the lighthouse would not impact the two sector lights located on the ground floor. Only one set of doors were permitted open at any one time.[xxi]
Construction
Workmen first arrived on Kangaroo Island on 4 October 1907, and a jetty at Weir's Cove approximately one kilometre from site was the first structure to be built. These works were overseen by Inspector G. Wisdom. Initially, materials for the station were carted up a zig-zag path up the cliffs before a flying fox was constructed, enabling materials to be towed up the cliff instead.[xxii]
The works on the lightstation were overseen by Labatt and a Mr Lucas. Sandstone for the tower and cottages were quarried locally, and by early 1909, despite battling the elements on an exposed site, the construction of the tower was well underway. Three cottages were constructed of sandstone, and positioned in a low-lying area so as to reduce the impact from the winds on the cape.[xxiii]
Captain Weir suggested a temporary light be exhibited throughout the duration of the construction, and the masthead light from Weir's ship, the Governor Musgrave, was installed onsite and maintained by the workmen.
In the tower itself, two sector lights, one red, one white, were installed in order to warn vessels of the nearby Lipsons Reef and Casuarina Islands. A 12'9" Chance Bros. lantern was constructed at the top of the sandstone tower, and a 1st Order 6 panel lens installed.
Figure 12. Cape du Couedic Lighthouse: Outline drawing showing inside and outside galleries to be constructed ready for fixing, 1909. Image courtesy of the NAA: A9568, 4/8/1 (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)[xxiv]
Equipment when built
The Cape du Couedic light was first exhibited on 27 June 1909. The event was attended by members of the Marine Board including the President Mr Arthur. Labatt was also present at the event, however inclement weather forbade members from disembarking. When the light was lit for the first time by the keepers, the Marine Board members watched from the Governor Musgrave captained by Weir. The event was therefore considered a 'keen disappointment'.[xxv]

The lighthouse stood as a 17 metre sandstone tower with a red and white Chance Bros. lantern. Although records determined the tower was painted with red and white bands, it is believed the tower was bare sandstone as found at the site today.[xxvi] It was reported in the 'Notice to Mariners' that the light was double-flashing, with each flash lasting for 7.5 seconds, and an eclipse of 0.33 seconds. The tower was accompanied by the three sandstone keepers' cottages which was approximately 160 metres from