ConstructionConstruction

Construction

Tenders for the construction of Cape Byron Lighthouse were called in March 1900 and Mitchell and King were successfully chosen as contractors for the project at a cost of £9970.

Construction started in July of 1900 where the area was levelled (undertaken by day labour) and plots were outlined for:

• the lighthouse tower
• workroom
• kerosene store room
• two lighthouse keeper’s cottages
• a signal station.

However, construction was reportedly delayed temporarily owing to the lack of a nearby water source 11. Once construction commenced, the main tower was built out of pre-cast concrete units placed in a cylindrical formation with the workroom and storeroom at its base. A mercury floatation mechanism was installed in the light tower (see Sub-section ‘Equipment when built’ below) which was designed by lighthouse engineer Mr. Douglass

and erected under the supervision of Mr. HC Cooper (engineer representative of WF Douglass Victoria Street Firm, London). The lighthouse keeper’s quarters were constructed from concrete and tiled roofs.

The lighthouse was connected telephonically to the Telegraph Office in Byron Bay by means of electric bells.

Construction was complete by 1901 and it was intended that the Lighthouse be officially opened by the Honourable John See, Premier of New South Wales on Saturday evening, 30 November.

However, due to inclement weather, the government steamer Victoria carrying the ministerial party was delayed and the Cape Byron Lighthouse was not officially opened until midday the following day on Sunday 1 December. The light was first lit that night.