Влплле.— Early Reclamations and Harbour-works of Wellington. 709 
In 1864-66 the Marine Act of 1863, which imposed duties on the 
provinces in connection with lights and beacons, was amended. he 
Marine Board was abolished, and the Provincial powers in connection with 
lights and beacons withdrawn, the powers being vested in the Governor, 
who was also given authority to purchase any of the lights and beacons 
from the Provincial Governments. It would probably be at this time 
that the management of Pencarrow passed to the Marine Department. 
In 1864 the Chamber of Commerce urged that a light be placed on 
Point Gordon, but the President of the Marine Board pointed out that 
Somes Island would be a better position, therefore it had been decided to 
erect a lighthouse there. It was erected and maintained by the Provincial 
Council until the abolition of the provinces, in 1875, when the Marine 
western and a fixed green light on the eastern shore. Keepers’ dwellings 
were erected in October, 1865, at a cost of £695. Some trouble was caused 
at the outset owing to the divisional lights. not working satisfactorily. 
Mr. W. Lyell, transferred from Pencarrow, was the first keeper, with 
D. Susans as assistant. 
Colza-oil was used by New Zealand lighthouses until 1872. The 
Marine Department report of that year suggested a change to kerosene, 
which would result in more brilliant lighting at a reduced cost. In 1876 
the report gave details of the illuminating-power of kerosene. In 1877 
Pencarrow and Tiritiri were the only lights using colza. In 1881 kerosene 
lighting was completely installed. In 1878 Pencarrow consumed 510 
gallons of colza, in 1881 734 gallons of kerosene. During the financial 
year 1921-22 867 gallons were used. It may be of interest to note that 
the cost of oils and wicks in 1857 was: Lamp-oil, 10s. per gallon; sperm, 
5s. 10d. per gallon; cotton wick, 10s. per pound. 
According to a return, the Government secured the freehold of the 
lighthouse reserve, consisting of 69 acres, from the Maori in 1873, although 
in 1841 it was notified that the Government has reserved land at Pencarrow 
for public service. 
THE “ INCONSTANT.” 
Towards the end of 1849 the ship “ Inconstant,” 588 tons, of London, 
missed stays in entering the harbour and drifted on to the rocks at the 
point near Pencarrow named after her. Fortunately, H.M. Surveying 
Steamer “ Acheron ” was in port at the time and towed her off. Apparently 
