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Nelson Historical Society Journal, Volume 2, Issue 6, April 1973

Farewell Spit

Farewell Spit

From Stephen's Island Mr. White moved to many of the light stations round the New Zealand coast serving at Castle Point, Portland Island, Kaipara Heads, Cape Brett, East Cape, Cape Saunders, Farewell Spit, Dog Island and Godley Heads (in that order).

When Mr. White was in charge of Farewell Spit during World War II changes were taking place. Supplies for the station were then landed on the beach from the Government vessel "Matai" and when conditions were not suitable for the use of surf boats she went to Collingwood and unloaded there. Both Ken Solly, and occasionally Bruce McNabb, would then deliver the goods overland by truck. At the station they had a horse and rubber-tyred cart which they used to bring the mail, meat and groceries. Mr. Freeman used to meet the keepers part away along the beach.

Sometimes Claude Wilkins made a trip out to the lighthouse and so Mr. White asked him to put in a price to the Marine Department to make a fortnightly trip from Collingwood to the lighthouse. This was in 1946 when a set price per trip was agreed upon to cart the mail, stores, coal and lighthouse staff. Passengers could be carried on these trips and the contractors could charge whatever fare they liked. This was the start of the regular trips to Farewell Spit by Collingwood Motors.

During his time in the Light Service Mr. White saw many changes. He mentioned the electric lights later used at most lighthouses and stated that it took only fifteen seconds for the relief bulb to take over from a fused one.