Point Perpendicular Lighthouse

May 1909 - JERVIS BAY LIGHT
The Department of Navigation notified that an incandescent Welsbach mantle lamp, using petroleum vapour is now installed in the lighthouse at Point Perpendicular, having. been first displayed on March 17th. The improved light is of approximately 1200 candlepower, while the former oil light was only about 300  (intrinsic candlepower without the effect of the lens). The character of the light remains the same, viz, three short successive 'flashes every 20 minutes but the light will be seen at a greater distance in hazy weather.

Welsbach Lamp.
The Welsbach Lamp was invented by Auer von Welsbach in 1885. The Welsbach mantle was made from silk impregnated with zirconia. It burnt at least three times brighter than what was previously known.


Continue reading about Point Pependicular Lighthouse.

Perpendicular Smell–Jervis Bay

Daily Telegraph - March 1932

When one of the light-keepers at Point Perpendicular, at the entrance to Jervis Bay, came on duty one evening recently he sniffed the air, and observed, "Someone has been throwing dead fish out round here." No one could find the fish, but, whenever the wind blew from the northward the smell pervaded the air. As the days went on it grew stronger. But it was not fish, but a 50-feet whale, which had driven head on into a little opening in the cliffs near the lighthouse, and stuck there. Nothing could be done about it, and the light-keepers just had to hope that there would be an unusual prevalence of south winds for the next few months.


Continue Reading about whales and whaling in and around Jervis Bay.

Jervis Bay steamer drama – a luck escape

1900 - The steel steamer Whangape disabled at Jervis Bay.

The brand new 3000 ton London based Union Steamship Company steamer Whangape was on a voyage from England to Newcastle Australia, where she would be employed in the intercolonial trade.

July 2 - She had experienced moderate weather throughout the voyage until she rounded Wilsons Promontory sighting Cape Otway.

July 4 - Steaming up the coast she ran headlong into a strong gale from the east and east-north-east, with violent squalls, terrific seas, and heavy rain.

July 5 -  These tempestuous conditions showed no sign of easing.  Approaching Jervis Bay Captain Clarke decided to take the steamer into Jervis Bay for shelter. She had no sooner passed through the heads when the main steam pipe burst, leaving her utterly powerless. Under the influence of strong winds, the captain immediately ordered the anchors to be dropped.

July 10 - The steamer remained in the bay while repairs were carried out.  Mr Dove the chief engineer travelled to Sydney for repairs, which were carried out at Mort's Dock.

The Captain decision to seek shelter in the bay at that time saved the ship from certain doom. If the accident had happened in the open sea under such weather conditions she would surely have been driven onto the coast.

Interestingly this was the maiden voyage for the Whangape but she had already borne three names. Originally called the Adriana, she was sold to Messers. Elder, Dempster, and Co. and became the Asaba; then the Union Company purchased her and renamed her Whangape.  All before she had left the stocks of her builders at the Cleveland Dockyard.

331ft long, 44ft breath, and depth of hold 23ft 3 in. and a carrying capacity of 4700 tons dead weight,  capable of maintaining a speed of 91/2 knots with a crew of 8.

July 12 - After repairs, the steamer resumed her voyage.

July 16 - She arrived in Newcastle, where she was loaded with coal destined for New Zealand.