ConstructionConstruction

Construction

Tenders for the construction of a light at Montague Island were called October 1878. The initial successful contractor, J Musson and Co., had their offer of £13,900 accepted for an estimated 15-month construction period. The contract was signed on the 5 February 1879.

Work commenced with Mr John Kelly acting as foreman of works on behalf of the government, and Mr James Peters for the contractors.

However, poor management and inadequate materials hindered work running smoothly on- site. The lighthouse was to stand on a large boulder overlooking the Island, and Barnet strictly instructed the boulder not to be touched. Contrary

to these express orders, the contractor fired a shot at the boulder which detached a large mass and caused the position of the Tower to be altered by