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Extract from a letter published in the "China Mail" of the 17th May 1864.
A certain number of disasters are expected to recur every year, at least 12, but in these waters the number might be greatly reduced by the erection of a Light House on the Pratas Shoal, more properly speaking, on the island within the Pratas Atoll. The general impression is, that the creation of light-houses appertains to the department of government, and in this present day H.M.'s Ships towing keen Sufferers also, it has probably been concluded that sooner or later the Home Government would take the matter in hand, and for this reason no stir has been made amongst the public.
How ... having been ...
H.M.'s ...