Byron Bay - Lighthouse

Hi V ... The Byron Bay Lighthouse must be one of the most picturesque in the country.  It was opened in 1901 with much fanfare.  ByronBay.com records that a banquet was arranged to mark the occasion and special trains ferried visitors from Lismore and Murwillumbah.  The Premier of the day, the Hon. John See, and other V.I.P's left Sydney in the Government Steamer called "Victoria".  Bad weather prevented the vessel from arriving on time and the scheduled party proceeded as planned while the V.I.P's from Sydney bobbed on the ocean some thirty miles away.  The vessel arrived around midnight on 30 November 1901 but even then the bad weather prevented the passengers from disembarking until dawn.  The food had been eaten and the toast had been heartily drunk in the absence of the officials but perhaps it was just as well.  The dignitaries may not have had the stomach for fine dining after lolling about on rough seas in a steamboat for 24 hours. Cheers J.