82
31. Removal of Existing Buildings.-The existing Lighthouse Tower, as also the block of build- ings abutting thereon, would be removed to the level of the ground floor, at which level a new and substantial flat roof would be provided, so that water may be collected therefrom and from the other block of buildings, and discharged into the existing Tank, which lies under the present quarters of the European Keepers. It will be observed from the section on drawing No. 2, that when the build- ings have been removed as proposed, no obstacle will be presented to the free exhibition of the new light.
32. The connecting passage between the European and Chinese quarters would also be removed, but not the block of buildings constituting the last named quarters and the telegraph room.
We propose that these buildings, the roof of which is at such a level as not to obstruct the new light seaward, should remain intact. During typhoons, the Chinese Assistants would, when necessary, for the two or three days when storms prevail, be housed in one of the rooms of the Tower itself.
33. New Landing Place. As considerable difficulty and not a little danger sometimes attends landing on and departure from the Rock, we are of opinion that a second landing place, furnished with a derrick, might with advantage be provided to the southward of the existing landing, in the position suggested by Captain RUMSEY. From this new landing a zig-zag path would have to be formed up the face of the Rock, leading to the present causeway.
34. General remarks with regard to the proposal.—It is to us a subject of extreme regret, that we have been unable to put forward any project for adoption which involves the maintenance of the existing Tower and the European Quarters. We concur in the views expressed by the Engineer to the Trinity Corporation, that the north end of the Rock is the proper site for the Tower and that as long as the Lighthouse and buildings remain in their present position, they will prove a source of anxiety and expense. In a matter of such moment there ought, in our view, to be no uncertainty with regard to the satisfactory and continuous exhibition of the light. If it sometimes fails when most required, viz., during storms, instead of being a means of safety, it might become a positive source of danger to the mariner. This is so well recognized at home, that no expense is spared to remedy proved defects in the lighthouse service around the coasts of Great Britain, and we would urge that a similar policy is the only satisfactory one to pursue in the present instance.
35. We have carefully considered both on the Rock, and subsequently, if the difficulties attendant on this case could be removed, to the requisite extent, by filling up the eastern gap, so as to ease the run of the sea therein. We are of opinion, after an inspection of the site and an examination of the configuration and character of the rocks, that the difficulties attendant upon the execution of such a slope would be exceptionally great, particularly at the toe where some work below low water level would be required. We consider that the cost of such a slope, including the formation of the toe, would exceed that of the execution of the proposals which we have put forward for adoption. We also entertain considerable doubt, as to whether the toe could be permanently executed in such an exposed position, the rocks at this spot being waterworn to a glassy surface sloping outwards. For the foregoing reasons we much regret that we are unable to devise any satisfactory form of treatment for the dissipation of the seas falling into the eastern gap.
36. Estimate. It is not practicable to arrive at more than an approximate estimate of the cost of the proposed works in consequence of the difficulties attendant upon the landing of the men and materials, and the extent to which the operations will be governed by the seasons. We believe, however, that an expenditure of $139,000 will be found sufficient for the satisfactory execution of the works proposed. 37. As to the maintenance of the Buildings and the Light.--With reference to the second head in your letter of 5th instant, we would recommend that the services of the present European Keepers be retained, or that other experienced men from the Trinity service be engaged in lieu of them on the expiration of their agreements, provided suitable arrangement cannot be made with the existing Keepers or that they may be unwilling to remain. In such an exposed position, where as in the case of the typhoon of October 1893, the Keepers may be required to act on their own responsibility, it is most important that only experienced Europeans should be in charge. The Chinese Assistants would, we take it, continue to be employed as hitherto.
38. With regard to the services of a Tug for the relief and provisioning of the Keepers, the conveyance of stores, and the making of inspections, etc., although, of course, it is a matter of consider- able importance, that adequate provision in these respects should be made, it appears to us that this is a question which can be better dealt with by the Harbour Master, and with reference to which he will, no doubt, be glad to furnish such information as may be desired.
39. Conclusion. In conclusion, we have to express our thanks to the Director of Public Works and the Harbour Master for the assistance they so courteously rendered in the making of our inspection and subsequent thereto. Our thanks are especially due to Mr. COOPER for the readiness with which he has at all times aided us and for the assistance rendered by his staff in the preparation of the accompanying drawings and the Bill of Quantities upon which the foregoing estimate is based.
We have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servants,
The Honourable
THE ACTING COLONIAL SECRETARY.
COODE SON & MATTHEWS.