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The Gisborne Photo News

 
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No 63 : September 17, 1959

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A Visit To Portland Island

Portland Island, off the southern tip of Mahia Peninsula, is one of the key points on the North Island's East Coast as far as shipping is concerned. Its regular broadcast signals, combined with those from East Cape, enable ships at sea to "fix" their positions. Its lighthouse is a major beacon for all ships sailing the East Coast waters.

Recently a Gisborne party flew down to the island to service the Lister generators at the lighthouse. The party, below left, consisted of Messrs E. and W. Evans, of Messrs Bingley & Evans Ltd., Gisborne, and Mr N. A. Williamson, inspector of factories, who are seen in the picture with the head keeper at Portland, Mr Frank Sheppard.

The party flew down in a plane piloted by Mr G. Oman.

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A bird's-eye view of Portland Island as the plane approaches. The landing field is at left, on the low part of the island. Access road to the plateau can be seen climbing up from the beach, and the lighthouse and buildings are at the far or southern end.

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Approaching the lighthouse, with the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean in the background.

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The visitors with the head keeper pose against the aeroplane which brought them.

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"New Plymouth Photo News" And "Wanganui Photo News" Available From "Gisborne Photo News" Office. Or From Bushnells Book Store In Gladstone Road.

(Pictures taken by Mr Williamson).

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Plane sweeps in over lighthouse built close to cliffs above rocky beach. At left are the station dwellings. Although keeper's pay is not in the upper income bracket by any means there is a waiting list for these lonely jobs far from the amenities of civilisation.
Duties include maintaining all-important light for shipping, transmitting the radio beacon, and sending weather forecasts.

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Another view which shows the precipitous nature of the cliffs surrounding the island. In this picture the radio masts can also be seen.

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Mr Sheppard met the party with tractor and trailer, in which they traveled up to the lighthouse. Pilot Gerry Oman is at left.

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