the previous correspondence have recently appeared to have reference to erection on one or other of the sites which, though more easy of access are, I believe unani- mously, condemned by experienced sailors, I have come to the conclusion, in which the Executive Council unanimously concur, that the only chance of attaining the end desired without further indefinite prolongation of vexatious delay is to offer to the Chinese Government the choice of an exhaustive list of practicable proposals, such as are contained in the letter in question; and though I have not laid the matter formally before the Legislative Council, I have satisfied myself that the members, un-official as well as official, will give a cordial support to the action taken and, rather than there should be further delay in the matter, would gladly support an increase of the previously suggested tax on the shipping of the port, and vote such addition to the existing dues as will cover the whole expense involved in the acceptance of any one of the alternative proposals.
3. It is estimated that an addition to the tonnage dues of 1 cent per ton for 2 years, or 1 cent per ton for 3 years, will more than realize the whole of the $90,000 required.
4. The mercantile community believe, if I may gather their opinion from that of the leading merchants in the Legislative Council, that the saving of time to shipping would be well worth the outlay involved even in the provision of the whole cost both erection and maintenance.
5. An outside estimate for maintenance would, I am informed, be $8,000 per annum; but in view of the reluctance of the Chinese Government to part with territory, even under lease, it is probable that the proposal would be preferred, under which this cost will not fall on the Colony.
6. Independently of the suggested communication with Sir JOHN WALSHAM, I should be much obliged if you would inform me by cable whether the proposals above referred to have not met your approval or disapproval.
The Right Honourable
1
I have, &c.,
G. WILLIAM DES VOEUX,
Governor.
SIR HENRY T. HOLLAND, BART, M.P., G.C.M.G.,
&c.,
&c.,
&c.
HONGKONG,
No. 23.
(5.)
DOWNING STREET,
25th February, 1888.
SIR,
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 12 of the 16th of January last, regarding the erection of a Lighthouse on the Gap Rock.
2. You will have already received my telegram of the 23rd instant assenting to this proposal, and the Foreign Office authorities have been requested to send a similar telegram to Sir JOHN WALSHAM.
3. With regard to the suggested tax on the shipping of the port to cover the expense connected with the erection of this light, I observe from your Despatch under acknowledgment, that it is estimated that an addition to the tonnage dues of 1 cent per ton for two years, or 1 cent per ton for three years will more than realize the whole of the $90,000 required, whereas in Mr. MARSH's Despatch No. 369 of the 25th of November, 1886, it is estimated that a tax of 1 cent per ton would only realize $15,000 per annum or $45,000 in three years and I should be glad if you could inform me on what grounds this estimate has now been doubled.
4. I should also be glad to be informed whether the sum of $30,000 entered in the Estimates for 1888, under extraordinary Public Works, for "Lighthouse for Southern approach to the harbour" refers to the present scheme, and whether it is intended that this sum should be recouped from the new tax.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient humble Servant,
Governor
SIR G. WILLIAM DES VEUX, K.C.M.G.,
$c..
&c.,
$c.
KNUTSFORD.
[Subsequent correspondence with His Excellency Sir J. WALSHAM “Confidential.”]