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Q.-Supposing these had been given to Hongkong is there anything in them indicative of the approach of a typhoon to Hongkong, and if so, what?
A.--On the 13th at 11 a.m. it was said:" Barometers falling in N and W Luzon, almost stationary elsewhere except E stations where there is a tendency to fall." This read with the information from Zicawei of 15th and 16th should have caused suspicion. On 14th:-
Owing to a depression getting away from the archipelago the winds prevailing are those of the S quadrant." These indications confirm in a way what was said by Zicawei. On 15th again :-"The winds prevailing are those of the S quadrant." When there is a typhoon N of the Philippines it is not susprising that the prevailing winds should be from S. There was nothing actually indicative of typhoon, threatening more especially Hongkong, but the' observations of Manila, completed by those of Zicawei, should have made people more careful at Hongkong.
Q. Do you think the fact of the barometer being normal on Monday should have calmed his suspicions?
A. No, the period was too short. If it had been normal for two or three days, yes.
Mr. FIGG-examined by Sir Henry Berkeley:
Q. Did you receive such observations from Sicawei as are produced on September 15th, 16th and 17th ? (Exhibits I 2 to I 5 produced).
A.—No remarks-only the figures.
Q. How do you account for not getting the remarks ?
A. They are rarely sent.
Q.-From whom do the observations come.
A.-I presume. from Sicawei-we are so informed by Mr. TYLER.
Q. Can you give the name of the European, if any, who is on duty at this Observatory at night.
A. There is no European except on special occasions.
Q. Where do you yourself live?
A.-At 12 Knutsford Terrace, about three minutes walk from here.
Q.-You do not live at the Observatory?
A.-No.
Q. Are you one of the observers ?
A.-No, except on special occasions.
Q. Who are the observers, and how many are there?
A.-Five Chinese computers.