Black and white photograph of Gabo Island showing lighthouse off Mallacoota Victoria. Also a second photograph of lighthouse residences on Gabo Islandpublic works, lighthouses, ocean

This mounted chart, dated 21 August 1971 is under glass in a wooden frame and covers Bass Strait between Cape Otway and Gabo Island, showing southern and eastern Victoria and the whole of Tasmania. The frame was possibly handmade locally. The charts are specific to the Gabo Island Lightstation and have second level contributory significance for their historic value and provenance to the lightstation.Blue / grey & white nautical chart of Cape Otway to Gabo Island . It is under glass and in a white painted wooden frame. The frame has three holes at the top left and the base.Top left-hand," AUS 422 DEPTHS IN FATHOMS......."

Gregory is from an artistic family who are well known for their maritime paintings, with his father being G. F. Gregory. Through his paintings, Gregory has left a valuable record of the maritime history in Australia.maritime artRural City of Wangaratta Collection. Gift of Transatlantic Steamship Company, Gothenburg.A maritime painting of a steamship in watercolour and gouache.Obverse: WANGARATTA/ Off Gabo/ A. V. Gregory (along bottom edge of painting) PRESENTED TO THE BOROUGH OF WANGARATTA/ BY THE CAPTAIN OF THE M V WANGARATTA/ OWNED BY TRANSATLANTIC STEAMSHIP CO LTD/ GOTHENBURG/ February 1946/ (inscription of plaque mounted to frame)wangaratta art gallery, maritime art, arthur victor gregory, wangaratta, gabo

Born: Birmingham, Warwickshire, England 1863; Arrived: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia 1881; Died: Waverley, New South Wales, Australia 1930ModernismLedger Gift, 1979Seascape with boat, rocks, sand, lighthouse, hills and turbulent clouds. Brushed gold timber frame.Recto: Signed "A Fullwood" in brown oil in l.l.c of composition; Not dated; Not titledpainting, seascape, boat, buildings, landscape, lighthouse, birds, hills, clouds

Possibly used as a tool to rescue people who may have been in distress in the ocean off Gabo Island. It was removed from Cape Otway and returned to Gabo Island museum. Information printed in black on the orange, plastic, ring shaped buoy confirms the item’s association with Gabo Island Lightstation and also indicates that it was made in Australia by the Rotadyne company for the Department of Transport, which oversaw lightstations between 1950 and 1982, and 1983 and 1987. The buoy was repatriated to Gabo Island from Cape Otway Lightstation in July 2015. It is unknown how it came to be there or how long it had been there.It has second level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance.Circular orange plastic ring with printed in black around ring. Ring has raised inscription. Remnants of white reflective tape in four places. White rope tied to ring through four holes in a distinctive taught crossed pattern at the back of the bouy.On front printed in black, "GABO ISLAND LIGHTSTATION", and embossed "MADE IN AUSTRALIA', 'DEPT. OF TRANSPORT / APPROVAL CERT. No 2315' On reverse, 'ROTADYNE'

This folder of newspaper articles was compiled by Mary Gilbert. Mary Isabelle Gilbert was born in 1905 in Orbost, Australia. She was born to John Gilbert and Annie Cameron Gilbert, and had seven sisters and one brother. Four siblings died at a young age. .She was a teacher historian loved and respected by her family and the wider community. The articles are generally pertaining to Gabo and Point Hicks.These articles are contemporary records of interest in places close to Orbost and are a useful reference tool.A manila folder of black / white newspaper articles relating to Orbost and the surrounding district. 744.2 is titled, " Miranda Tells About a Holiday at Mallacoota". 744.3 is from the Snowy River Mail and is titled, " Historic Spot Now Pt Hicks". 744.4 is from the Snowy Mail and is titled, "Riverina Floats Back on Beach". 744.5 is from the Snowy River Mail and has three articles: "When Gabo Light Keepers Nearly Quit"; "Sydney Convicts For Gabo?'; "Nothing to Eat But Shark".newspaper-articles-gabo- point hicks riverina

She was wrecked on the Gippsland coast near Gabo Island on 17ty April 1927Black and white photograph of the Huddart Parker Line steamer Riverina at an unknown port Australia. Plus second photo when wrecked.Riverina a fine interstate liner of 4793 tons built in 1905 for Huddart Parker Line of Melbourne. ships and shipping, timber industry, jetties

Found on Gabo island or in the sea or on the beach. This is identified as a typical nineteenth century rum bottle.Whatever their provenance, they have an association with an event or activity on Gabo Island and for this reason have second level contributory significance for their potential to yield information relating to the cultural history of the lightstation. Thick dark green glass bottle. Scratches over surface of bottle. It has a lip (for a cork), slightly bulbous neck, rounded shoulders and a tall tapered body.

The first Gabo Is. lighthouse was originally a wooden structure built in 1850s, and the replaced in 1862 by a very impressive pink granite lighthouse, with the granite sourced from the island. This lighthouse functioned as a manned light from 1850s to 1893 when it was converted to solar power in 1993. It is the second tallest lighthouse in Australia. This piece of granite is from Gabo Island. Gabo Is. is off the eastern coast of Australia, located near Mallacoota, and was originally 'discovered' by Capt. James Cook in 1770. It is a well-known landmark with a long and significant history for the shipping industry, for the security of Australia, and as a tourist venue in it most recent uses. The Lighthouse is now heritage listed.This item is significant because it is a piece of granite similar to that used in the construction of Gabo Island Lighthouse in 1862.Piece of red granite, quite heavy triangular in shape (approx. 2-3 kilos)lighthouse, gabo island lighthouse, shipping, world war ii security

This fairly substantial wooden desk with vinyl top was issued to Wilson’s Promontory Lightstation by the Department of Public Works in the 1960’s. Primarily the desk was used for correspondence purposes, and now has the Bureau of Meteorology computer stationed on it. Although the design and make of this desk is common to many lightstations across Victoria, it is a good example of the kind of furniture that was provided to Victorian lightstations in the 1960’s. The solidly constructed desk was used in the lightstation office. It is made of honeycoloured hardwood and has a green vinyl top and three drawers on the left side. The style suggests that it may date to the 1960s. Gabo Island Lightstation has two identical desks, and all were probably standard issue from the Commonwealth Lighthouse Service or Public Works Office. Another twentieth century vinyl topped desk at Gabo is manufactured with a steel frame. Cape Nelson, Cape Schanck, Point Hicks and Gabo Island retain nineteenth century cedar desks. The desk at Wilsons Promontory has second level significance as a good example of the style of office furnishing provided to lightstations in the 1960s.Wooden desk with square legs and green vinyl top. It has three drawers with wooden handles on the left . The top drawer has a keyhole.

This is a lightstation log book used on Gabo Island from the 1 September 1948 - 6 Novemebr 1951 to note all happenings at the lightstation, such as supplies arriving, boat arrivals, duties carried out etc. Has at least secondary contributory value to the significance of the lightstation. Lined log book with hard cover. Hand-written dated inscriptions in ink inside the book. Entries are from 1 September 1948 - 6 Novemebr 1951.

Modern communication technologyarrived on gabo Island with the construction of the telegraph line from Eden to Gabo Island in 1870. The insulator is associated with the telegraph station. Used at the H.F Radio Beacon. The items of telegraphic equipment comprise a number of ceramic and glass insulators of varying age and type. In addition to insulators, there is a telephone insulator bracket made of metal with wooden pins. It was once attached to the top of a steel pole and some of these remain in situ along the former telegraph line (0044). Telegraphic communication commenced at the Gabo Lightstation in 1870, just eight years after the lightstation opened. The line from Sydney reached Eden, NSW by 1868 and was then extended to Gabo with the costs shared equally by NSW and Victoria. It was initially carried on posts across the sea to the island but was changed to a line along the seabed after the posts were washed away. The first telegraph office was a timber building on east side of the assistants’ quarters. In 1887 a new concrete telegraph office was built which included quarters for the operator, with Victoria and NSW sharing the construction costs. The 1992 CMP identified remnants of the line from its various phases of operation,and these were seen in 2016. Other ceramic insulators in the collection are associated with lines supported on utility poles for the transmission of high voltage electricity. The various insulators have second level significance for their historic value and provenanceFour armed cross shaped insulator with two holes through diagonally opposite sections. It is ceramic with a clear glaze.

The date on the photo 1.11.1904, appears to identify this as 'Hero' supposedly lost October 1904 when her cables parted while sheltering from a gale near Cape Woolamai, Victoria. Eventually lost Gabo Island 1905.Black and white photograph mounted on card showing sailing boat Hero aground on rocks Lakes Entrance Victoria 1.11.1904. The "Hero" in trouble as seen from the water Snapshots by Burgin shipwrecks, coast, boats and boating

Modern communications technology arrived on Gabo Island with the construction of the telegraph line from Eden to Gabo Island in 1870. This type of insulator was usually used with radio antennae wires, telegraph and radio antennae equipment. The items of telegraphic equipment comprise a number of ceramic and glass insulators of varying age and type. Five, knuckle-shaped white glazed ceramic examples are associated with radio antennae wires. In addition to insulators, there is a telephone insulator bracket made of metal with wooden pins. It was once attached to the top of a steel pole and some of these remain in situ along the former telegraph line. Telegraphic communication commenced at the Gabo Lightstation in 1870, just eight years after the lightstation opened. The line from Sydney reached Eden, NSW by 1868 and was then extended to Gabo with the costs shared equally by NSW and Victoria. It was initially carried on posts across the sea to the island but was changed to a line along the seabed after the posts were washed away. The first telegraph office was a timber building on east side of the assistants’ quarters. In 1887 a new concrete telegraph office was built which included quarters for the operator, with Victoria and NSW sharing the construction costs. The 1992 CMP identified remnants of the line from its various phases of operation, and these can still be seen in 2016. Other ceramic insulators in the collection are associated with lines supported on utility poles for the transmission of high voltage electricity. .The various insulators have second level significance for their historic value and provenanceFive white glazed ceramic insulators. Knuckle bone sized, oval shaped with one opening at either end. All five are the same.

Modern communication tecnology arrived on Gabo Island with the construction of the telegraph line from Eden to Gabo Island in 1870. These and other cylindricial insulators were associated with the original 1870 copper wire telegraph line and later the P.M.G. line. The items of telegraphic equipment comprise a number of ceramic and glass insulators of varying age and type. Two bell-shaped insulators are made of clear glass, one with remains of wooden dowel inside. In addition to insulators, there is a telephone insulator bracket made of metal with wooden pins. It was once attached to the top of a steel pole and some of theseremain in situ along the former telegraph line. Telegraphic communication commenced at the Gabo Lightstation in 1870, just eight years after the lightstation opened.The line from Sydney reached Eden, NSW by 1868 and was then extended to Gabo with the costs shared equally by NSW and Victoria. It was initially carried on posts across the sea to the island but was changed to a line along the seabed after the posts were washed away. The first telegraph office was a timber building on east side of the assistants’ quarters. In 1887 a new concrete telegraph office was built which included quarters for the operator, with Victoria and NSW sharing the construction costs. The 1992 CMP identified remnants of the line from its various phases of operation,231 and these can still be seen in 2016. Other ceramic insulators in the collection are associated with lines supported on utility poles for the transmission of high voltage electricity. The various insulators have second level significance for their historic value and provenance1. Clear glass insulator. Cyndrical bottle shape with smaller dome -like knob on top. Hollow with inscription on lower edge. Has remains of wooden dowell inside. 2.Clear glass insulator. Cyndrical bottle shape with smaller dome -like knob on top. Hollow with inscription on lower edge.Around lower edge on opposite sides,"C.C / 42"

Reputed to have been the key of the Queenscliff Lighthouse c.1880. It was passed on from Ted Smith, 10 Kings Rd Paynesville, 3880, whose grandfather, John McDonald, was Lighthouse Keeper at Queenscliff about the 1880. From Queenscliff, Mr. McDonald was posted to Gabo Island. Original lighthouse key late 19th centuryqueenscliff light house, cast iron key, keys, john mcdonald, lighthouse keepers

Used on Gabo Island lightstation.This portable first aid kit comes in a lockable metal box and includes an instruction manual, smelling salts, eye cleaner, dressings, cotton wool and burns dressing. It was made in September 1976.Supplement to Royal flying doctors service of Australia.The kit has first level contributory significance for its relative completeness, historic value and provenance to the lightstation.1. White, two hinged lid, metal first aid kit. Containing: 2. Instruction manual. 3. Smelling salts. 4. Eye cleaner. 5. 6 x sterilised dressings. 6. Cotton wool. 7. Large burn dressing. (padded gauze). Lock on lid. rusted slightly on top and sides. Five screws on right side. Four screws on left back lid. Metal hinged handle on left side. Metal compartment on inside.

Found on Gabo Island. The screw top bottle is the property of Nugget Polish P/L, Oxford brand shoe polish. The firm, which was a branch of the London firm, Nugget Polish Co., was located at 16-20 Kanowna Street, Williamstown from 1909. The age of the bottle is unknown.Brown glass bottle, long body, short neck for screw top. Wide at front curved to narrow sides.On front"OXFORD / THE PROPERTY OF NUGGET POLISH PTY. LTD"

Whale bones found in harbour area. Dr Imlay operated a whaling outpost in Santa Barbara Bay in the early 1800's. John Morris ventured into whaling in 1848. The success of these ventures is not known. Retrieved from the Gabo Island Harbour in 1999, the collection’s two venerable whalebones are reminders of the whaling industry that was associated with Gabo Island prior to construction of the lightstation. Evocative relics of this long ceased activity, they are now also symbolic of today’s concern for protecting and saving whales. The whalebones are the only known artefacts in the collection that illustrate the period when European sealers and whalers intermittently used the island for their activities. The Imlay brothers, who operated from Twofold Bay, Eden NSW, used the island as a base and lookout up until about 1846, and several huts were erected.Whaling was last associated with the island in 1848, when John Morris surreptitiously ventured into this activity while being paid to erect lightstation buildings for the NSW government. Gabo’s historic jetty store, which stands as the oldest structure on the island, was thought to be built by Morris and is possibly associated with the activities that led to his dismissal. The whalebones were recovered from the harbour, close to the location of the store and the site of the former whaling outpost. The bones have first level contributory significance as evidence of the island’s whaling activities, which pre-date the history of the lightstation.1. Whale vertebrae, bleached white. 2. Whale bone, (rib) bleached white.

It has been restored by lightstation staff in 2002. The phone has a fixed mouth piece and is attached to the lantern room wall on a timber box mount. Dating from the early twentieth century, it is the earliest of four telephones at the lightstation and the sole box-mounted model, and is also the only telephone in the lighthouse. It has a crank handle, a separate black hand piece and an inclined horizontal shelf for jotting down notes. The four telephones provided an intercom system that facilitated communication between the lightstation buildings. Four other wall-mounted phones remain at the Cape Nelson Lightstation but unlike the Gabo Island example they do not provide a rest for jotting down notes. As a fixture, the telephone is part of the building fabric and is included in the existing Victorian Heritage Register extent of registration for the Gabo Island Lightstation (H1773). As a fixture, the telephone is part of the building fabric and is included in the existing Victorian Heritage Register extent of registration for the Gabo Island Lightstation (H1773). It is significant for its historic value and provenance, and relative uniqueness in a Victorian lighthouse.Telephone, wall-mounted in a wooden surround. Black crank handle on right-hand side. Separate black hand piece on left-hand side attached to main body by a fabric covered cord. The mouthpiece is fixed to the front of the telephone. There is a wooden rest attached to the lower front of phone on an angle. There are two half circular bells attached to the phone above the mouthpiece.

The desk was used by the head keeper and supplied by the Public Works Department, and possibly dates to when the lightstation commenced operations in 1884. Closer inspection of the wood may reveal the Crown motif and PWD monogram on the side or underpart of the furnishing. The PWD operated in Victoria from 1855 to 1987 and was responsible for the design of Victoria’s major public buildings and infrastructure as well as the supply of stores, furniture and equipment. The desk is identical to the large example remaining at Point Hicks. A smaller version, which is at Cape Schanck, has two sides stamped with the crown motif and PWD monogram. Another of the smaller desks formerly at Cape Schanck is now missing. Gabo Island has a small cedar desk or table in the same style, but with one drawer. There are also c.mid‐twentieth century desks remaining in the collections at Wilsons Promontory and Gabo Island. The Cape Nelson desk has first level contributory significance for its provenance and historical value as a government issued furnishing that is original to lightstation’s head keeper’s office.The large, late nineteenth century cedar desk has two drawers, leather inset top and sturdy turned legs. The drawers each have a pair of wooden knob pulls.

Detached sector panel from upper lantern. The lens segment is one of a pair of freestanding panels that formerly stood on a platform in the upper lantern room on either side of a small fixed light. The platform rested above the 1860/62 Chance Bros. first order, fixed lens and could be accessed by a ladder. The two sector lens panels were each set in a bronze frame and comprised a curved wider (belt) piece in the centre with nine curved, slim line pieces above and below it (19 pieces in total). The belt aligned with the light source to provide optimal focus and range. The panels, the light and the platform were installed in 1934 to upgrade the original optical system with red warning lights. Fitting them above the lantern was a convenient and inexpensive way to do this, with each lens panel set up behind a red glass panel to project a red sector to the seaward over to Cape Howe and the Western Shore. The two sectors are likely to be Chance Bros. by manufacture although they do not appear to bear the maker’s name. This is probably because Chance Bros. typically fixed metal plaques to their apparatus and tended not to stamp smaller components such as their lens frames. It could possibly indicate that the two sectors are former components of a larger system, i.e. another lens. This can easily be confirmed by closely inspecting the bronze frames. A series of holes on the frame would indicate that ‘they would have bolted to other panels to make a larger lens assembly’. The absence of holes would confirm that ‘they were made specifically to stand alone’. The sector panels were removed from the Gabo lantern in February 1992. At some point after their removal, they were found in boxes marked with ‘Ince Pt.’, however it is thought that Ince Point lighthouse ‘never had … stand alone sectors’. The panel in the Gabo Island collection is one of two segments discovered at the Eden Killer Whale Museum in about 2007. One section was repatriated to Gabo Island and the other was to go to Smoky Cape Lighthouse in northern NSW. The Gabo lens segment has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lantern room. It is recommended that Parks Victoria/AMSA seek to return the Smoky Cape segment to Gabo Island and reunite the sector panels.The Gabo lens segment has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lantern room.Section of a lens from a lighting apparatus , rectangular louvers of glass enclosed in a metal frame.

Used as display in AMSA workshop foyer, Moorabbin, Vic. Nautical charts x 2 , The framed and glazed chart identifies strategic points in the notorious Bass Strait passage, which in the nineteenth century was known as the ‘Eye of the Needle’. It covers the whole of Tasmania, Bass Strait and the islands, and the lower part of Victoria with its coastline between Cape Otway and Gabo Island. The chart has an electric cord connecting it to a wall switch which enables a series of small lights to flash on strategic geographical locations.. While it is not known if it is original to Wilsons Promontory, it certainly elates to its location. A similar chart at Cape Otway shows less of Tasmania and is not electrified. Gabo Island Lightstation has two large framed charts; one is the same as the Wilsons Promontory example but without the lights and the other is entirely different, focussing on the east coast between Point Hicks and Montague Island. The Wilsons Promontory chart is unique as an illuminated version of the other charts and has first level significance if its provenance to the lightstation can be confirmed.The framed and glazed chart has an electric cord connecting it to a wall switch which enables a series of small lights to flash on strategic geographical locations.Yes

There are three, black Bakelite, wall mounted, crank handle telephones across the lightstation; one in the former assistant keeper’s quarters, and two in the former head keeper’s quarters. The phone has instructions for its use on the crank dial. Two have a coiled handset cord, which dates the phone to just after 1949 when these came into use. The third has a smooth cord and must pre date 1949. Another much older wall mounted phone remains in the lighthouse. The four telephones at Gabo Island formed an intercom system that facilitated communication between the lighthouse and lightstation buildings. They demonstrate the necessity for employing various methods of communication in a remotely located lighthouse as well as communication between the lightstation buildings. Telephones of the same wall mounted, crank dial type remain at Cape Otway, Point Hicks. As fixtures, the telephones belong to the building fabric and are included in the existing listing of the Gabo Island Lightstation in the Victorian Heritage Register (H1773). These intact items of equipment have first level contributory significance for their historic value and provenance.Black bakelite telephone, wall mounted with reciever/ handset on spiral cord attached to the body of the phone. There is a crank handle attached to the front of the telephone.On dial under crank handle. Outer perimeter of circular LABEL,"TO CALL:-TURN HANDLE & LIFT HANDSET / WHEN FINISHED PEPLACE HANDSET & TURN HANDLE"

Used on Gabo Island to measure maximun gust over previous 3 hours or between weather observations. Information on the back of the device implies that it was battery powered and indicates that it was used in conjunction with a Synchrotac brand anemometer. Its particular function was to measure maximum wind speed over three hours between weather observations. Like the other weather recording instruments in the collection, it became redundant to the Bureau of Meteorology’s needs. It is a good example of its kind and has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lightstation.Black metal box with grey metal front. Two chrome plated handles at front. Red plastic square, greenish coloured knob at front with inscriptions under them.On front,"MAXIMUM GUST REGISTER / KNOTS / READ" On back, "for use with a synchrotac anemometer / ANEMOMETER / RESET" On 2 black plastic discs at back, "BATTERY x 4 "

The large cedar desk was formerly used by the head light keeper at Point Hicks. It was made in the nineteenth century, probably by the Victorian Public Works Department (PWD) as an item of standard issue for use in government offices. The PWD operated in Victoria from 1855 to 1987 and was responsible for the design of Victoria’s major public buildings and other infrastructure including the supply of stores, furniture and equipment.The desk has turned legs, leather top and two drawers each with a pair of wooden knob hand pulls and is identical to the large desk remaining at Cape Nelson. A smaller version is at Cape Schanck, and another desk formerly at Cape Schanck is not able to be located. Gabo Island has a small cedar desk or table in the same style. Two sides of the Cape Schanck desk are stamped with the crown motif and monogram of the PWD but it is not known if the Point Hicks desk and the other nineteenth century examples are stamped with these details. There are also c.mid-twentieth century desks remaining in the collections at Wilsons Promontory and Gabo Island. officeThe Point Hicks desk has first level contributory significance for its historic values as government issued furnishing that is original to lightstation’s head keeper’s. Early, large two drawer cedar desk. Each drawer has two wooden handles. Leather insert on top of desk is worn. Commonwealth of Australia, Dept of Transport stamp with stock number on side of desk.On label on side, "C. of A. / D. O. T. / 143581"

Telephones x 3 (GILS 0001, 0038, 0070; attached fixtures) There are three, black Bakelite, wall mounted, crank handle telephones across the lightstation; one in the former assistant keeper’s quarters, and two in the former head keeper’s quarters. The phone has instructions for its use on the crank dial. Two have acoiled handset cord, which dates the phone to just after 1949 when these came into use. The third has a smooth cord and must pre date 1949 (GILS 0070). Another much older wallmounted phone remains in the lighthouse (GILS 0041; attached fixture; see above 6.1). The four telephones at Gabo Island formed an intercom system that facilitated communication between the lighthouse and lightstation buildings. They demonstrate the necessity for employing various methods of communication in a remotely located lighthouse as well as communication between the lightstation buildings. Telephones of the same wall mounted, crank dial type remain at Cape Otway and Point Hicks As fixtures, the telephones belong to the building fabric and are included in the existing listing of the Gabo Island Lightstation in the Victorian Heritage Register (H1773). These intact items of equipment have first level contributory significance for their historic value and provenance.Black bakelite telephone, wall mounted with reciever/ handset on spiral cord attached to the body of the phone. There is a crank handle attached to the front of the telephone.On dial under crank handle. Outer perimeter of circular LABEL,"TO CALL:-TURN HANDLE & LIFT HANDSET / WHEN FINISHED PEPLACE HANDSET & TURN HANDLE"

Used to measure wind speed at Gabo Island. Max gust register and wind speed indicator were interconnected to anemometor also on display. Registor and speed / direction indicator redundant due to transition to radio transmitter and computer data recorder. This instrument for measuring wind speed by knots was made by Paton Electrical, Sydney, a radio receiving manufacturing firm which operated until c.1956. It was used in conjunction with the manual anemometer. An instrument now redundant to modern weather forecasting, it is a good example of its kind and has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lightstation. It is a good example of its kind and has first level contributory significance for its historic value and provenance to the lightstation.Knots wind speed indicator. Housed in a black & grey metal box shaped enclosure. The front is sloped with a guage and indcator dial. Around this are eight clear orange plastic knobs with directions inscribed next to each knob.Around front in clockwise direction,"N/360, NE/45, 90/E, 135/SE, 180/S, SW/225, W/270, NW/315" On dial, 0 - 70's in 10's, "KNOTS WIND SPEED / STOCK No 6660' - 66-118-7294 / PATON ELECTRICAL SYDNEY"

The heavy twin tanks formerly contained vaporised kerosene which was used as a fuel to light the lantern. Kerosene became available in the 1860s as the oil industry in the United States developed, and vaporised kerosene soon became the most common system of illumination. The kerosene vapour lamp was perfected by Chance Bros. for burning the light in their renowned lenses. The system involved vaporising kerosene under pressure and mixing it with air and then burning the vapour to heat an incandescent mantle. The lamp had to be watched throughout the night in case a mantle broke, and the tanks needed to be maintained by hand-pumping each hour or so. Kerosene tanks like these were developed in the early twentieth century, and kerosene as a fuel was phased out by electricity, with the last kerosene system in Australia eventually replaced in 1985. The wick lamp in Gabo Island’s light was altered to a vaporised incandescent kerosene mantle burner in 1909. They would have been in use until 1935, when the light was electrified and the original first-order lens was replaced by a fourth-order lens. The Gabo Island tanks, which are presumed to be those used in the lighthouse between 1909 and 1935, are not attached to the optical apparatus and are no longer in the lighthouse. They are also missing the pressure gauges that were formerly attached to the top of each cylinder. Cape Schanck has a pair of unattached tanks, which are not historically associated with the lighthouse. Point Hicks has an iron stand that formerly supported its lighthouse oil tanks. Despite their lack of intactness, the Gabo Island tanks have first level contributory significance for their provenance to the lightstation and historic association with the lantern’s original Chance Brothers first order lens, which was removed in 1935Two large green cylinders standing in a metal frame. There is also a pumping mechanism attached to the stand with a wooden handle.