The timber portion of the jetty was finished last year, and the T end is
now being slowly proceeded with, the velocity of the tide rendering the
performance of the work very difficult. When complete it will be a great
convenience to large steamers, not exceeding 22 feet draught of water,
which will be able to lie alongside. The buoys and beacons are well
maintained, but there are at present no leading lights for guiding
vessels into the port at night-time. This want is often a source of
great detention and loss to vessels visiting the port, and many
complaints have been made in consequence. Arrangements can easily be
made to provide leading lights; and as their maintenance would not
require any addition to the present staff, the outlay would be very
moderate. The lighthouse and signal station at Goode Island are in a
very efficient state, but the tramway for getting oil and stores from
the beach (some 1,100 feet in length) is quite past repair, and requires
renewal. It is proposed to put iron instead of wooden rails, as being
more economical in the end.
At the pilot station everything is in order, no outlay for repairs being
necessary. The pilot cutter "Lizzie Jardine" has been relieved by the
cutter "Eileen," recently repaired at Cooktown.