Sunday, September 18, 2011

Australia - Lighthouses - Macquarie NSW

Australia - Lighthouses - Macquarie NSW

The stamp depicts the lighthouse at Macquarie New South Wales that overlooks Sydney harbor.  The Macquarie Lighthouse is Australia's first and longest operating navigational light. There has been a navigational aid on this site since 1791 and a lighthouse since 1818.  The construction of the current Macquarie Lighthouse was begun in 1881 and completed for the first use in 1883.  Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several upgrades.  In the beginning, the primary light was provided by a gas burner with a magneto powered electric system for use in extreme weather.  In 1912, the system was converted back to run on kerosene due to the expense of running the electric system.  In 1933, the system was converted back to electricity when it was connected to the city power supply.  In 1976, the lighthouse was changed to an automated operation and in 1989 the last lighthouse keeper was retired. 

Perforations: 14.5 by 13.8
Date of Issue: March 12, 2002
 

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