C.S.O. 1978 of 87.
(9)
4. Though this arrangement is in some points not as satisfactory as might be wished, Sir JOHN WALSHAM has in a private communication satisfied me that it is the only means by which we are likely to attain the end desired. Indeed so strong are the objections of the Chinese Government not merely to the cession, but also to the lease of territory to a Foreign Power, that we should in all probability have had to wait for a Light on the Gap Rock until such indefinite time as it might suit the convenience of China to place one there, but for the somewhat ingenious solution of the difficulty which has been offerred and was probably originated, by Sir ROBERT HART.
5. As it is important to begin preparations for the work at the earliest possible date, I should be much obliged if Your Lordship would communicate by telegraph the sanction of or disapproval of Her Majesty's Government.
6. I append copy of another letter which I have caused to be addressed to the Kowloon Commissioner, suggesting for the reasons given that the Light at the Gap Rock should be a fixed, instead of a flashing one; one of the latter description being placed either (1) at Cape D'Aguilar, on Hongkong Island, instead of the present fixed one, or (2) in a new Light-house on the Island of Waglan ( Chinese territory) if the same terms could be conceded as in respect of the Gap Rock.
7. A fixed light at Gap Rock might be placed in a House of much less height than would be required for a flashing Light. According to the opinion of Com- mander MOORE, who is regarded by his own profession as well as others, as a high authority on such a subject, the lesser altitude would be an advantage rather than otherwise, as rendering the light more frequently visible in these seas, where" thick weather" is the rule; and as the smaller Light-house would cost very much less, there appears to be every reason in its favour. Such a change would necessitate a flashing light being placed in the Light-house next in order of proximity to this port, which is at present that at Cape D'Aguilar. All authorities are however agreed that this site is immeasurably inferior to that on the Chinese island of Waglan; which latter would, I understand, have unquestionably been selected, had it been available at the time when the D'Aguilar Light-house was erected.
8. Under these circumstances, it has appeared to me desirable, before incurring further expense in respect of the Cape D'Aguilar Light-house, to ascertain whether the Waglan site might not be now attainable on the same terms as those offered in respect of Gap Rock.
9. The mercantile community are so impressed with the expediency of having the best possible lighting of the route to this Port, that I do not apprehend the slightest difficulty in obtaining the approval of the Legislative Council of a vote for the two Light-houses instead of one, and for the imposition of the necessary tax on the Shipping to cover it.
10. Your Lordship will observe that Sir JOIN WALSHAM's communications are marked Confidential. Though there is probably no longer any reason for secrecy with regard to some of them, it is not so with all; and I mention this in order that special care may be taken on this point, in the event of its being decided to publish any of the correspondence.
11. The fixed Light now at Cape D'Aguilar will require some alteration, it moved to Gap Rock, viz., the supply of a lens to fill the arc of the circle which is now left dark. I mention this for fear that it might otherwise be supposed that this fact had been forgotten.
12. For further elucidation of some of the points touched upon in this Despatch, I enclose copies of two passages extracted from a letter dated 21st August, 1887, of Commander MOORE, R.N. on the subject of Hongkong Light- houses. One of these refers to the height desirable for the Light-house at the Gap Rock; the other to the expediency of changing to the island of Waglan the site of the Light-house now at Cape D'Águilar.
13. It will be observed that, according to Commander MOORE, 100 feet is regarded by the Trinity Brethren as the proper height for a Light-house in connec- tion with the islands of Great Britain and Ireland and that in his opinion the rea- sons for this judgment apply equally to these seas.