Open/Close Toolbox
Item Type: Series
Linked To
Controlling or Creating AgencyPredecessor SeriesRegister
Menu
GRWC, Beacon Hill Signal Station Log Books
Descriptive Data
Archives IdentifierGW001Date Range1990-2016DescriptionThis series gives a daily account of vessels arriving at and departing from “The Heads” as viewed from the Signal Station at Beacon Hill. Signal operators recorded arrivals and departures, signals received by the station and the prevailing weather conditions over the course of each day.
The Wellington Regional Council took over responsibility for Beacon Hill Signal Station and role of Harbour Master following the dissolution of the Wellington Harbour Board in 1989.
The signal operators would alert the Harbour Master via telephone, of any vessels requiring assistance in the form of Piloting. Messages were also relayed regarding which wharf and berth the ship would occupy. They would also note any vessels they saw out in the Cook Strait and which direction they were heading.
Information recorded under the following headings: Arrivals Departures (giving the name of ship and time) Time (information below was recorded at 2 hour intervals) Wind (direction) Force (of wind) Visibility Weather (in alpha code, no key given. e.g. BZ, or CZ or C) Barometer Thermometer Sea (condition of) Swell Signalman Messages and Instructions (to and from signalmen) Remarks There are no controlling indexes and access to the information is by date only.
There is a gap in 1991 between 02/03/1991-08/06/1991, it appears that one volume is missing; there is also a gap between the last volume of AC032 and the first volume of this series of several months.Quantity (Linear Metres)6.25MediumBound VolumeSystem of ArrangementChronological by transfer; volumes arrived in multiple transfersCollection TypeCommunity archives
The Wellington Regional Council took over responsibility for Beacon Hill Signal Station and role of Harbour Master following the dissolution of the Wellington Harbour Board in 1989.
The signal operators would alert the Harbour Master via telephone, of any vessels requiring assistance in the form of Piloting. Messages were also relayed regarding which wharf and berth the ship would occupy. They would also note any vessels they saw out in the Cook Strait and which direction they were heading.
Information recorded under the following headings: Arrivals Departures (giving the name of ship and time) Time (information below was recorded at 2 hour intervals) Wind (direction) Force (of wind) Visibility Weather (in alpha code, no key given. e.g. BZ, or CZ or C) Barometer Thermometer Sea (condition of) Swell Signalman Messages and Instructions (to and from signalmen) Remarks There are no controlling indexes and access to the information is by date only.
There is a gap in 1991 between 02/03/1991-08/06/1991, it appears that one volume is missing; there is also a gap between the last volume of AC032 and the first volume of this series of several months.Quantity (Linear Metres)6.25MediumBound VolumeSystem of ArrangementChronological by transfer; volumes arrived in multiple transfersCollection TypeCommunity archives
Access Information
Restriction StatusOpen
Related Agencies
Controlling or Creating AgencyGreater Wellington Regional CouncilRelationship Date Range1991-
Related Series
Predecessor SeriesWellington Harbour Board, Beacon Hill Signal Station Log Books
GRWC, Beacon Hill Signal Station Log Books. Archives Online, accessed 20/03/2026, https://archivesonline.wcc.govt.nz/nodes/view/936271








