AGY-1212 | Light, Pilot, and Navigation Board

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The Light, Pilot, and Navigation Board consisting of the Honourable John Lamb R.N, M.P., Hutchison Hothersall Browne, Esquire, and Benjamin Darley, Esquire were appointed the Governor on 22 July 1857. There was also provision for a fourth board member if required. The Chairman of the Light, Pilot, and Navigation Board was known as the "Master" and or "Senior Warden" with the ordinary board members being called "Wardens". A Superintendent of Lights, Pilots, Navigation and Harbour Master of the Colony replaced the Office of Port Master. The Superintendent held a seat and had a vote at the Board and was also designated as the "Public Accountant giving security for" and controlling all public monies. The Light, Pilot, and Navigation Board undertook an advisory role providing policy direction to the Superintendent of Lights, Pilots, Navigation and Harbour Master of the Colony on all maritime matters. In 1857 Sydney Harbour experienced the tragic loss of lives and ships on two occasions firstly the Dunbar (21 August 1857) and secondly the Catherine Adamson (23 October 1857). The office of the Superintendent was abolished on 31 March 1858, resulting in the cessation of the Light, Pilot and Navigation Board.