3.1 General history of lighthouses in Australia
The first lighthouse to be constructed along Australian soil was Macquarie Lighthouse, located at the entrance to Port Jackson, NSW. First lit in 1818, the cost of the lighthouse was recovered through the introduction of a levy on shipping. This was instigated by Governor Lachlan Macquarie, who ordered and named the light.
The following century oversaw the construction of hundreds of lighthouses around the country. Constructing and maintaining a lighthouse were costly ventures that often required the financial support of multiple colonies. However, they were deemed necessary aids in assisting the safety of mariners at sea. Lighthouses were firstly managed by the colony they lay within, with each colony developing their own style of lighthouse and operational system. Following Federation in 1901, which saw the various colonies unite under one Commonwealth government, lighthouse management was transferred from state hands to the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service.
Lamps and optics: an overview
Lighthouse technology has altered drastically over the centuries. Eighteenth century lighthouses were lit using parabolic mirrors and oil lamps. Documentation of early examples of parabolic mirrors in the United Kingdom, circa 1760, were documented as consisting of wood and lined with pieces of looking glass or plates of tin. As described by Searle, ’When light hits a shiny surface, it is reflected at an angle equal to that at which it hit. With a light source is placed in the focal point of a parabolic reflector, the light rays are reflected parallel to one another, producing a concentrated beam’.10
In 1822, Augustin Fresnel invented the dioptric glass lens. By crafting concentric annular rings with a convex lens, Fresnel had discovered a method of reducing the amount of light absorbed by a lens. The Dioptric System was adopted quickly with Cordouran Lighthouse (France), which was fitted with the first dioptric lens in 1823. The majority of heritage-listed lighthouses in Australia house dioptric lenses made by others such as Chance Brothers (United Kingdom), Henry-LePaute (France), Barbier, Bernard & Turenne (BBT, France) and Svenska Aktiebolaget Gasaccumulator (AGA of Sweden). These lenses were made in a range of standard sizes, called orders—see ‘Appendix 2. Glossary of lighthouse Terms relevant to Goose Island Lighthouse’.
Early Australian lighthouses were originally fuelled by whale oil and burned in Argand lamps, and multiple wicks were required in order to create a large flame that could be observed from sea. By the 1850s, whale oil had been replaced by colza oil, which was in turn replaced by kerosene, a mineral oil.
In 1900, incandescent burners were introduced. This saw the burning of fuel inside an incandescent mantle, which produced a brighter light with less fuel within a smaller volume. Light keepers were required to maintain pressure to the burner by manually pumping a handle as can be seen in Figure 8.
In 1912, Swedish engineer Gustaf Dalén, was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics for a series of inventions relating to acetylene-powered navigation lights. Dalén’s system included the sun valve, the mixer, the flasher, and the cylinder containing compressed acetylene. Due to their efficiency and reliability, Dalén’s inventions led to the gradual demanning of lighthouses. Acetylene was quickly adopted by the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service from 1915 onwards.
Large dioptric lenses, such as that shown in Figure 9, gradually decreased in popularity due to cost and the move towards unmanned automatic lighthouses. By the early 1900s, Australia had stopped ordering these lenses with the last installed at Eclipse Island in Western Australia in 1927. Smaller Fresnel lenses continued to be produced and installed until the 1970s when plastic lanterns, still utilising Fresnel’s technology, were favoured instead. Acetylene remained in use until it was finally phased out in the 1990s.
In the current day, Australian lighthouses are lit and extinguished automatically using mains power, diesel generators, and solar-voltaic systems.
The Commonwealth Lighthouse Service
When the Australian colonies federated in 1901, they decided that the new Commonwealth government would be responsible for coastal lighthouses—that is, major lights used by vessels travelling from port to port—but not the minor lights used for navigation within harbours and rivers. There was a delay before this new arrangement came into effect. Existing lights continued to be operated by the states.
Since 1915, various Commonwealth departments have managed lighthouses. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), established under the Australian Maritime Safety Authority Act 1990 (Cth), is now responsible for operating Commonwealth lighthouses and other aids to navigation, along with its other functions.
3.2 Tasmanian Lighthouse Service Administration
Time Period |
Administration |
---|---|
1915-1927: |
Lighthouse District No. 3 (Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania), Hobart Headquarters. |
1927-1963: |
Deputy Director of Lighthouses and Navigation, Tasmania. |
1963-1972: |
Department of Shipping and Transport, Regional Controller, Tasmania. |
1972-1982: |
Department of Transport [III], Regional Controller, Tasmania. |
1982-1983: |
Department of Transport and Construction. Victoria-Tasmania Region, Transport Division (Tasmania). |
1983-1985: |
Department of Transport [IV] Victoria-Tasmania Region, Hobart Office. |
1985-1987: |
Department of Transport [IV], Tasmanian Region. |
1987-1990: |
Department of Transport and Communications, Tasmanian Region. |
1991- | Australian Maritime Safety Authority. |
3.3 Goose Island: A history
Aboriginal history
Further consultation with Traditional Stakeholders is required.
Surveys of the Outer Furneaux Islands were carried out in 1989-1990 and a total of 64 prehistoric Aboriginal sites were recorded, all containing stone artefacts. Sites recorded on Swan Island were identified as being open sites consisting of stone artefacts of quartz, quartzite and exotic. Seven unretouched flake and flaked pieces, and three retouched implements were identified within Swan Island’s artefact scatters and are estimated to date from the late Pleistocene landbridge phase11. These investigations demonstrated that the eastern Bassian region was occupied during the prehistoric period.
Aboriginal Heritage Tasmania (Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, TAS) detailed that four Aboriginal heritage sites are recorded within the Aboriginal Heritage Register, and these sites are located 1-2 kilometres north-west of Goose Island Lighthouse.
Early European history
In 1798, the passage of water separating Tasmania from the mainland was charted by British explorer George Bass, and British navigator and cartographer Matthew Flinders. Named ‘Bass Strait’, this passage was traversed by countless ships that had previously been forced to journey around the south coast of Tasmania.12
Little is known about post-European settlement activity on Goose Island following the colonial inhabitation of the Bass Strait. New information will be included in later versions of this plan.
3.4 Planning a lighthouse
Why Goose Island?
In 1841, suggestions were made to improve shipping safety in the Bass Strait vicinity. Sir John Franklin, Lieutenant-Governor of Van Diemen’s Land (Tasmania), recommended to Sir George Gipps, Governor of New South Wales, that two lighthouses be constructed within Banks Strait – a passage between the Furneaux Group Islands and Tasmania’s north-eastern coastline. The Banks Strait was regularly navigated by vessels travelling from Melbourne (VIC), Hobart and Launceston (TAS).
Of these proposed lightstation sites was Goose Island, chosen for its position along the Banks Strait shipping route.13
Construction
Construction of Goose Island Lighthouse commenced in January 1841. Supervised by ex-convict Charles Watson, construction was carried out by convict labour. The workmen were housed in basic huts onsite while food, water and fuel were shipped to the island sporadically.14
Construction of the tower was completed by March 1843. However, the W Wilkins Co lantern ordered from England failed to arrive when expected. Whilst waiting for its arrival, Watson and his team moved onto construction of Swan Island Lighthouse, also located in Bass Strait, which was completed in October 1845. Eventually, the lantern destined for Goose Island arrived the same month Swan Island was completed. The lantern was successfully installed and the Goose Island light was first exhibited on 1 February 1846.15
Figure 11. Drawings and floor plans of five Tasmanian lighthouses built in 1840s. From left to right: Low Head, South Bruny, Deal Island, Swan Island, and Goose Island (1848). Courtesy of the National Archives of Australia. (© Commonwealth of Australia, National Archives of Australia)16
3.5 Equipment when built
Following completion, Goose Island Lighthouse stood as a 21.5 metre circular granite rubble tower. It housed a W Wilkins Co single-lamp, catadioptric lens - one of the earliest uses of this technology in Australia. The light was fixed and the upper and lower sections of the lens sytems were silvered mirrors. The tower was originally painted red and white, red for the upper half and white for the lower half, which was the typical colour scheme for early Tasmanian lighthouses.17
3.6 Lightkeeping on Goose Island
Initially, the light was maintained by a superintendent accompanied by convict assistants. These convicts were assigned to the Island for a pre-determined period of time before obtaining a ‘Ticket of Leave’. Replacement convicts were sent in each time such a ticket was awarded.18
Owing to its isolated position, life on Goose Island was as tedious as it was dangerous.
Whilst activity on the island was restricted to lightkeeping duties with little interaction with the outside world, one incident of an unusual nature broke the monotony of life at the lightstation. In March 1857, the lightstation was ransacked by pirates:
The lightstation was later staffed by free man who were often accompanied by their families. However, the isolation often proved tragic for its inhabitants. By the early 1900’s, some supplies for Goose Island would arrive via mail steamer. These steamers were not required to dock at the Island, but rather sit in the surrounding waters and wait for the lightkeepers to row out to meet them and collect mail and provisions.
On the 22nd of March 1922, two lightkeepers made the journey to the steamer Calliboi despite the adverse weather conditions.
They had been expecting the vital delivery of a baby bottle on board the steamer to replace one broken at the lighthouse. Unfortunately, due to the strong westerly wind, both men were drowned in the Strait upon attempting to return to Goose Island. Their bodies and the boat were later located washed up on two separate islands within Flinders Group. The men were transported back to the lighthouse where they were buried in a cemetery onsite.20
These incidents at Goose Island reinforced the reality of dangers associated with isolated lighthouse keeping in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The last keeper of Goose Island Lighthouse was RE Bridgen who, in 1931 following the light’s upgrade to a 5th Order AGA revolving lens, was transferred to Swan Island Lighthouse. It is believed that the cottages and jetty were demolished shortly afterwards.21
3.7 Chronology of major events
The table below details the major events to have occurred at Goose Island Lightstation.
Date |
Event |
---|---|
31 Mar 1857 |
Goose Island ‘invaded’ by four bushrangers that had absconded from Hobart Town. Lighthouse plundered.22 |
1877 |
Captain Napper, superintendent of Goose Island Lighthouse reported to be deceased and buried on Goose Island after adverse weather forbid removal of his body from the island.23 |
26 Oct 1877 |
The steamer Southern Cross wrecked on Goose Island. All provisions lost, no casualties.24 |
1892 |
100ft jetty and tramway installed on island. Workmen were briefly stranded on Goose Island following the work as no telegraphic communication existed between the nearby Islands and no passing ship would take notice of their signals.25 |
23 Aug 1906 |
Earth tremor experienced at Goose Island Lightstation.26 |
22 Mar 1922 |
Two lightkeepers perish after rowing out to meet the steamer Calliboi to receive provisions.27 |
28 Nov 1931 |
Lighthouse de-manned. Cottages and jetty demolished shortly afterwards.28 |
May 1939 |
Mechanic injured while repairing the tower’s lantern. Sailed to Hobart on the steamer Cape York to receive treatment.29 |
31 Mar 1978 |
Goose Island Lighthouse added to Register of the National Estate. |
22 June 2006 |
Goose Island Lighthouse added to Commonwealth Heritage List. |
3.8 Changes and conservation over time
Due to developments in lighthouse fabric and technology, a number of alterations were carried out on the Goose Island Lighthouse throughout its lifetime.
The Brewis report
Commander CRW Brewis, retired naval surveyor, was commissioned in 1911 by the Commonwealth Government to report on the condition of existing lights and to recommend any additional ones. Brewis visited every lighthouse in Australia between June and December 1912 and produced a series of reports published in their final form in March 1913. These reports were the basis for future decisions made in relation to the individual lighthouses.
The recommendations made by Brewis concerning Goose Island included altering the light’s character, increasing the light’s power, and adding an acetylene Morse lamp.30
(30 miles from Swan Island.)
Lat. 40º 19’ S., Long. 147º 48’ E., Chart No. 1906.- Established in the year 1846.
Character.- One white, fixed dioptric, 1st Order, 20,000 c.p. Visible between the bearings of S.28ºE.,
through north, to N. 50º W. Frequently obscured by intervening island. Otherwise visible in clear
weather, 16 nautical miles.
Stone tower, 74 feet. Height of focal plane, 100 feet above high water.
Condition and Sate of Efficiency.- The light-house tower and apparatus are in good condition
The dwellings are old, but in fair order.
Three light-keepers are stationed here.
Communication.- Quarterly by steamer, carrying stores by contract.
An acetylene Morse lamp is required to facilitate communication with passing vessels – necessary in case of emergency.
RECOMMENDED.-
(a) The light be given a distinctive character, by inserting a revolving cylinder, actuated by
clockwork mechanism (to be wound every sixteen hours), thus converting the light from fixed to flashing. Light characteristic – one flash of one second duration every six
seconds.
(b) The power of the light be increased from 20,000 to 100,000 c.p., and economy effected
in the consumption of oil by installing an 85 mm. incandescent mantle; illuminant, vapourized kerosene.
(c) Acetylene Morse lamp be provided.
Alterations to the light
Owing to changes in lighthouse technology over the 19th, 20th and 21st centuries, the Goose Island light underwent a number of alterations following its construction in 1846. (See appendix 4. For Goose Island’s current light details)
Date |
Alterations |
1870 |
Silvered mirrors replaced (ex. Swan Island). |
7 Oct 1924 |
Intensity increased to 20,000 cd. |
28 Nov 1931 |
1st Order lens replaced by 5th Order lens – a 187.5mm four panel with Dalén PR50 pedestal with Acetylene operation. Intensity increased to 35,000 cd. |
12 April 1985 |
Lighthouse converts from Acetylene to electric (wind power). Dunlite type BP, 12V 2kW wind generator installed on a 6-metre tower. Sealed beam array on AGA PRB 24/4 gearless revolving mercury pedestal installed. Intensity increased to 65,000 cd. |
12 Apr 1990 |
Lighthouse undergoes solar conversion. |
28 Feb 2006 |
Vega VRB-25 12V, 75W C8 Halogen light installed at lighthouse. Intensity increased to 85,336 cd. |
Conservation works
Date |
Works Completed |
1892 |
Timber staircase replaced with cast iron staircase inside tower. |
1985 |
Original copper cupola of the lantern replaced by a fibreglass replica. |
2012 |
Stainless steel corrugated roofing sheets installed on lantern roof. |
2015 |
Structure repaint and corrosion-repair work. |
3.9 Summary of current and former uses
From its construction in 1846, the Goose Island Lighthouse has been used as a marine AtoN for mariners at sea. Its AtoN capabilities remain its primary use.
In conjunction with its AtoN capabilities, the island was occupied for over 80 years which saw it become home to many convict workers, livestock and later, light keeping families. The installation of the 5th Order AGA light source oversaw the de-manning of the light and the demolition of much of the lightstation. On 23 November 1931, the Circular Head Chronicle reported that the Lady Loch had been deployed to Goose Island to “assist with alterations to lighthouse at that island”.30 Remnants of these building foundations lie beside the tower and are classified as being of historical and archaeological significance.
3.10 Summary of past and present community assocations
Aboriginal associations
Further consultation with Traditional Stakeholders is required for a greater understanding of the past and present associations held across the region.
Local, national and international associations
As one of the oldest lighthouse towers to have remained active, Goose Island Lighthouse maintains significant national ties to both historic and current day navigational safety. Convict and lightkeeping families’ presence on the island has generated genealogical interest in the region both locally, nationally and internationally.
3.11 Unresolved questions or historical conflicts
Little is known about the European history of Goose Island prior to the construction of the lighthouse in 1846. The island’s isolated location suggests it was left untouched until 1841 when construction commenced.
3.12 Recommendations for further research
Research on past lighthouse keepers of Goose Island may be beneficial in determining the full extent of the social value placed on the site.
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Footnotes
10 Garry Searle, First Order: Australia’s Highway of Lighthouses, (SA: Seaside Lights, 2013), 34.
11 Sim, R. The Archaeology of Isolation? Prehistoric Occupation in the Furneaux Group of Islands, Bass Strait, Tasmania, PhD, ANU (1998), pg. 45-58.
12 Iain Davidson and David Roberts, ’14 000BP – On being along: the isolation of Tasmania,’ Turning Points in Australian History, Martin Crotty and David Roberts (eds), Sydney: UNSW Press, 2009, pg. 2
13 ‘The new lighthouses,’ The Cornwall Chronicle, Jan 23, 1841
14 Searle, G., First Order, (2013), pg. 49.
15 Searle, G., First Order, (2013), pg. 49.
17 Searle, G., First Order, (2013), pg. 49; ‘Goose Island,’ The Shipping Gazette and Sydney General Trade List, Mar 14, 1846
18 Searle, G., First Order, (2013), pg. 50.
19 Searle, G., First Order, (2013), pg. 51.
20 ‘Lost Lighthouse Keepers: Compensation claims, ’ Advocate; ‘Goose Island Tragedy,’ Advocate, Sept 20, 1922; ‘Goose Island Tragedy,’ Examiner,’ Oct 3, 1922; ‘The Goose Island Tragedy: finding of a body,’ Daily Telegraph, Jun 3, 1922
21 Searle, G., First Order, (2013), pg. 53.
22 Searle, G., First Order, (2013), pg. 51.
23 ‘Shipping Intelligence,’ The Mercury, Nov 3, 1877
24 ‘Goose Island,’ The shipping Gazette and Sydney General Trade List, Mar 14, 1846
25 ‘Flinders Island,’ Launceston Examiner, Jul 9, 1892
26 ‘Tasmania, Hobart: an earth tremor,’ Daily Telegraph, Sept 3, 1906
27 ‘Tragedy at Goose Island Lighthouse,’ The Mercury, Mar 29, 1922
28 Searle, G., First Order, (2013), pg. 53.
29 ‘Mechanic injured,’ The Mercury, May 29, 1939
30 Brewis, C R W., Preliminary report on the lighting of the coast of Tasmania and the islands in Bass Strait: Recommendations as to existing lights and additional lights, Department of Trade and Customs, (1912), pg. 10.