Lords transmit to you for the consideration of the Lords of the Committee of Privy Council for Trade a copy of despatch from the late Lieut. Governor of Hongkong with its enclosure on the subject.
I am, &c.
H.M.
Copy Memorandum 1/40 314
It appears from the Reports of Captain Fisher, R.E. and of Mr. Richards that no single Light - however high or powerful - will be sufficient to warn vessels from the danger of such an extensive Reef as the Prata's.
It also appears that the construction of high and large Lighthouses either of Stone on the Land or on the thin coral Reefs of which the Island is composed would, if not impracticable, be attended with very great difficulty and expense.
It has however been suggested that Vessels approaching the Eastern portion of the Reef might be sufficiently warned of their danger by a Light Vessel to be moored inside the Reef at its Eastern extremity, and that with the addition of a Light on the Island at the West side of the Reef, the whole would be sufficiently guarded.
As