Apparently the Government has now thought better of its decision, and an order has come to hand that the searchlight is to remain where it is until Lord Kitchener has arrived, inspected the defences, and reported thereon.
"It would simply mean," said one authority to a Times reporter, "that if the searchlight were taken away the harbour would be left practically defenceless.
The guns mounted at the Heads are of no use without a searchlight.
History tells us that attacks on harbour defences take place under cover of night, and, undisturbed by any searchlight, a torpedo boat or cruiser could make it was up the harbour unnoticed and unmolested.
With this provision against attack gone, the value of the harbour as a refuge for disabled vessels and shipping generally would be discounted very considerably."
There was a feeling that if the searchlight went, the Garrison Artillery, including the permanent force and the Dunedin and Port Chalmers Navals, would go also.
They, of course, were responsible for the coastal defences of the Otago district, and their withdrawal, if decided on, would leave Otago Harbour without an atom of protection.
• Lakes Te Anau and Manapouri have been fairly well patronised by tourists this season, and as a result of the improved roads a larger number of motor cars than usual have made the trip.
Messrs Crosbie Bros., who have hitherto conducted a coach service between Lumsden and the lakes, had up until the end of January carried between 200 and 300 passengers, this number comparing favourably with last year's returns.
This firm recently purchased three motor cars and on Monday evening the first one was put into commission, making the journey from Lumsden to Te Anau in about three hours, and returning the following day via Lake Manapouri.
- ODT, 11.2.1910.
