The recent heavy weather has had the effect of altering very much the
north channel into Port Curtis, the depth having shallowed from 18 to 11
feet at low water, spring tides. The inner end of the channel has been
contracted by the extension of the north-west end of the east bank
west-north-westerly direction, and the spit off Oyster Rock to the
southward. These changes have necessitated the removal of the two
buoys--formerly marking the entrance--to the inner edge of the east bank
and the southern point of the spit off Gatcombe Head.
Heavy deposits of mud have taken place in Auckland Creek and the
Calliope River, and it has been found necessary to shift the leading
lights to enable vessels to enter the creek in safety. Considerable
expense has been incurred through the renewals of buoys and beacons
occasioned by the floods in February last, almost every buoy being
displaced. All the marks are now, however, in position again. The light
on Gatcombe Head and the apparent light on Oyster Rock are working
satisfactorily, and the dwelling-houses of the lightkeeper and pilot
crew are in very fair order, only one of them requiring repairs of any
consequence. Ordinary wear and tear is the only expense likely to be
required for the pilot schooner "Enid" during the current year.
Very little progress of any utility has been made in connection with the
work of deepening the Narrows.
At Bustard Head I found the lighthouse, the two auxiliary lights, and
the domiciles of the superintendent and keepers in excellent order.