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A fixed Light, without a Tower, would be at a height of 105 feet above the sea-level, the low elevation, as compared with that of a flashing light upon a tower, being, as His Excellency is advised, an advantage rather than otherwise. For though the higher light would of course. be seen farther in a clear atmosphere, the lower one would be more frequently and more widely visible in the average weather of these seas, this view being in accordance with the experience of the Brethren of the Trinity House, who have, for the same reason, fixed 100 feet as the best height for a Light-house in the seas round Great Britain, where what sailors aptly term "thick weather" is probably not more prevalent than here.
On these grounds therefore His Excellency would ask the acquiescence of Sir ROBERT HART in the proposed alteration, if his great experience in connection with this subject should suggest no objection.
A fixed Light on the Gap Rock, however, would necessitate a flashing light at Cape D'Aguilar on Hongkong Island, which is now a fixed light and if the present suggestion in respect of the Gap Rock should be adopted, the Cape D'Aguilar light must of course be altered to a flashing one. But any proposal for works of altera- tion at Cape D'Aguilar raise another question. All experts are, His Excellency believes, agreed that Cape D'Aguilar is the wrong place for this light, and that the right one is the Chinese Island of Waglan, the erection having been at the former place simply because the better site was not available. The question to which His Excellency refers, therefore, is whether this Government with Sir ROBERT HART'S invaluable assistance could obtain the permission of the Chinese Government to erect a light-house at Waglan, on the same terms as those offered in respect of the Gap Rock. If such permission were obtained His Excellency would decide to put the flashing light at Waglan and a fixed light at the Gap Rock, removing the D'Aguilar light altogether. On the other hand, if Waglan should not be available, the flashing light would require to be placed at D'Aguilar.
Returning to the question as to the character of the Light at the Gap Rock, I am to mention that His Excellency has not omitted from consideration the greater penetrative power of a flashing light. But, apart from the fact that under the proposed alteration of plan what is lost in this respect in one place will be gained in another His Excellency is disposed to think that this comparative demerit of a fixed light is compensated by the above mentioned considerations in its favour.
I am to add that, if any change is accepted it will of course be within the discretion of the Customs Authorities to modify or withdraw the contribution offered as part of the terms accepted in my letter No. 863 of the 29th ultimo.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
FREDERICK STEWART,
Colonial Secretary,
F. A. MORGAN, Esq.,
Commissioner of Chinese Customs,
KOWLOON.
Enclosure 5.
(Commander Moore to Commodore Maxwell.)
Extract of Letter dated 21st August, 1887.
"The height of Jubilee island is against it as a site. It is 203 feet high and "as I have before pointed out this is too great for an efficient light. In the British "Isles 100 feet is considered by the Trinity Brethren as the proper height and their "reasons apply equally to China. Gap Rock is 96 feet and if a tower must be built "it certainly need not exceed 15 feet; 110 feet is a very suitable height.