The lighthouse at the Burnett Heads and the leading beacons in the river are all in good order. The pilot vessel has given much satisfaction since receiving extensive alterations and repairs in Brisbane last year.
The new explosives magazine is found to be a great convenience, and offers ample accommodation for all requirements.
The beacons in the Kolan River, which were blown down in the June gale have been restored.
PORT CURTIS.
The recent heavy weather has had the effect of altering very much the north channel into Port Curtis, the depth having shallowed from 18 to 11 feet at low water, spring tides. The inner end of the channel has been contracted by the extension of the north-west end of the east bank west-north-westerly direction, and the spit off Oyster Rock to the southward. These changes have necessitated the removal of the two buoys—formerly marking the entrance—to the inner edge of the east bank and the southern point of the spit off Gatcombe Head.
Heavy deposits of mud have taken place in Auckland Creek and the Calliope River, and it has been found necessary to shift the leading lights to enable vessels to enter the creek in safety. Considerable expense has been incurred through the renewals of buoys and beacons occasioned by the floods in February last, almost every buoy being displaced. All the marks are now, however, in position again. The light on Gatcombe Head and the apparent light on Oyster Rock are working satisfactorily, and the dwelling-houses of the lightkeeper and pilot crew are in very fair order, only one of them requiring repairs of any consequence. Ordinary wear and tear is the only expense likely to be required for the pilot schooner "Enid" during the current year.
Very little progress of any utility has been made in connection with the work of deepening the Narrows.
At Bustard Head I found the lighthouse, the two auxiliary lights, and the domiciles of the superintendent and keepers in excellent order.