TOWNSVILLE.
No alteration appears to have taken place in the depth of water in Cleveland Bay. The damage to the eastern breakwater caused by the cyclone of last year has been repaired, and the structure has been greatly strengthened. At its outer extremity a massive concrete foundation has been embedded in the masonry, upon which the lighthouse has been strongly secured. The light is of the 4th order dioptric, showing a red arc of 270° to seaward, and a white arc of 90°, visible inside the breakwater and to the southward towards Alligator Creek. The extension of the western breakwater is also completed, and from its outer extremity a small green light will be exhibited. The channel into Ross Creek, dredged in 1889 to a depth of 10 feet at low water, has silted up in places below the Harbours and Rivers' Wharf to 5-1/2 feet; above that it retains its depth.
Inside the breakwater, and at the entrance between the piers, dredging is being proceeded with, and it will be a great advantage to the shipping visiting the port when the dredging along the inside of the eastern breakwater is completed.
It is proposed to erect semaphores for exchanging communications between the signal station and Bay Rock lighthouse, flag signals being frequently indistinguishable. The lighthouse at Bay Rock is well maintained.
The steam launch is very useful, but rather small for the work she has to perform.
The buoys and beacons in Cleveland Bay are now in good repair, several renewals having been necessary during the past year. All the property of the Department appears to be well looked after, and in an efficient state. The new relieving lightship built at Townsville was finished last April. After being fitted with two new 5th order dioptric lights—which, being exhibited from the same lantern, show a powerful fixed light—she was towed up in July to relieve the Channel Rock lightship, which had been thirteen years at her moorings. The latter vessel has been brought to Townsville for repairs.
BARRATTA AND ALLIGATOR CREEKS.
Have required rebeaconing throughout. The trade to the latter creek is increasing, as the Meat-preserving Works have recommenced operations.