308
[In C.S.O. 28].
Enclosure 3.
Harbour Master to Acting Colonial Secretary.
HONOURABLE COLONIAL SECRETARY.
HONGKONG, 4th October, 1886.
The following report has reference to a light to be seen at a distance of 20 miles, and therefore the height of the lantern should not be less than 200 feet from High water level :--
1st. I am of opinion that the Gap Rock (90 feet high), being the outer danger of the Kypong Island Group, is the most proper site for an out- side light for the approaches to Hongkong from the Southward. But as the rock is small, aud at no times could a boat land there, difficulties of communication would arise, making the erection and upkeep of a Light- house on this spot very costly.
A light on the Gap Rock would probably be obscured between the bearings N.E. and E. 6 N. 4 N. from the rock.
2nd. The next best place for a site is on an Island N. 65° E. nearly one mile from the Gap Rock. The landing here is difficult, but the Island being larger the difficulties would probably not be so great as at Gap Rock, and the Island being higher the cost of building a Light-house should not be
so much.
A light on this Island would be little inferior in point of position to one on the Gap Rock, as the Channel between these Islands is deep and clear of any danger (see foot note). In fact a ship could, so far us draught of water is concerned, lie alongside either island.
A light on this Island would probably be obscured between N.E. and East from the Light-house.
3rd. The next island offering itself as a site is Reef Island, and seems to be the only one where a landing can be effected at all seasons. It is about 90 feet high, but has a dangerous reef lying near to its Southern end.
A light on this Island would probably be obscured from N.E. N. to N.W. W. from the light, but as the proposed light is intended inore for the benefit of ships coming from the South this would not matter. The light however might be raised to show over adjacent Islands.
Reef Island lies East 1 miles from Gap Rock with, excepting the before mentioned reef, a clear Channel between them (see foot note).
A light on Gap Rock or its close neighbourhood would complete the Light-house requirements of this Colony. The cost could be raised by loan and a few years with a slight increase to the present dues would soon pay it off.
Note.-Imray's Chart shows a rock with 22 feet on it in this Channel, but it does not appear on any Admiralty Chart.
H. G. THOMSETT, R.N.,
Enclosure 4.
Harbour Master.
[C.S.O. 1794].
No. 184.
SIR,
Surveyor General to Acting Colonial Secretary.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, 20th November, 1886.
Adverting to the proposition of an additional great sea-light for ships ap- proaching Hongkong from the South or South-West, I am of opinion, after a personal cruise round the islets and rocks to the South of the Island, that the Gap Rock will be found the best site for a Light-house as regards the requirements of navigators, although it is undoubtedly an extremely unfavourable site from a builder's point of view.
The reason I would give the preference to the Gap Rock is that it is among the outermost or first points of land visible to ships approaching the coast from