ROCKHAMPTON.
The floods of this year have caused no changes of importance in the Fitzroy River. The new channel at Central Island—which opened out and was beaconed and lighted this time last year—maintains its depth unassisted by dredging operations, and appears to be improving. No. 5 cutting is consequently no longer used. A new vessel has replaced the old lightship at the Upper Flats. She is considered an efficient and necessary beacon at one of the most rocky curves of the Fitzroy River, and serves as a domicile for the lightkeepers, who maintain the lights ashore and afloat for a distance of five miles. Tidal signals are also shown from the vessel both day and night.
During the year the dwelling-houses of the pilot's staff at Keppel Bay and the lightkeepers at Sea Hill, Balaklava, and Brown's Crossing have been painted throughout; at the latter station some repairs were also executed. Any further expense during the current year is, therefore, not likely to be necessary.
At Balaklava the sea is encroaching on the northern foreshore of the island, but arrangements have been made to deposit some 500 tons of ballast, of which a rough dyke will be constructed by the Harbour Master's staff. This, it is anticipated, will prevent further inroads by the sea.
The buildings at Sea Hill and at the pilot station are in good order. The Timandra Bank lightship requires some repairs, and the decks want caulking, which I anticipate may be done without removing the vessel from her station. All the buoys and beacons in Keppel Bay and the Fitzroy River have had careful attention, and are in good order.
CAPE CAPRICORN.
The lightkeeper in charge of this station (Edwin Biss) died in Rockhampton during the year, and was succeeded by the first assistant (James Aitken). The lighthouse tower is in good order, but the iron roofing of two of the cottages requires renewal, being oxidised and full of perforations.