Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00967:front:0:p13
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2022L00967
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 33595–35244

Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)
  3.5 Lighthouse keeping

Presided over by a superintendent and three assistants, the Cape Wickham Lighthouse was staffed from its construction in 1861 until 1921. Captain Duigan was the first superintendent stationed at the light, followed by Edward Nash Spong in 1862 who was stationed at Cape Wickham for 30 years.

With open settlement on the island strictly forbidden until the 1880s, life at the Cape Wickham Lightstation was increasingly isolated. Fishermen and sealers were the mere few that visited the island albeit irregularly. It wasn't until the construction of a light at Currie (1879) on the west coast of the island that a permanent population was established.[21]

Following the installation of an automatic acetylene flasher, the need for a superintendent and assistants onsite was no longer necessary, and the cottages were demolished in 1921.[22]

  3.6 Chronology of major events
Listed below are the major events related to the Cape Wickham Lighthouse.

Date               Event
1 Nov 1861         Light first exhibited from Cape Wickham Lighthouse.

Circa 1880s        King Island opened for settlement (farming and grazing).
                   The township of Currie is established.

17 May 1898        Lighthouse struck by lightning – ground floor of tower 'pierced' by strike. Assistant lightkeeper shocked and knocked unconscious.[23]

13 July 1918-1921  Lighthouse converted to automated operation and de-staffed.
                   Original balcony replaced and keepers' cottages demolished.[24]

1939-1941          Radio beacon established at Cape Wickham.[25]