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not show the actual loss of life which he said might be roughly estimated at thrice that recorded.
Two other members of the Executive Council estimated the loss of life amongst the junk population of the colony between four and five thousand. The probability is that all these poor people were drowned in about fifty minutes, when the force of the typhoon was at its maximum.
3.
Immediately on my arrival in Hong Kong, my attention was drawn to the subject. I read in Your Lordship's Despatch No.114 of 18th November 1874 describing the deep interest Her Majesty had displayed in the calamity of 1874; and, on enquiry, I ascertained that competent authorities were of opinion that it was possible to prevent this lamentable loss of life in future.
I was also assured that a similar typhoon, if nothing were done meanwhile to protect the boat population, would probably kill as many persons in a few hours.
4.
Therefore at the first Executive Council I held in this Colony, I pointed out that the construction of breakwaters at certain points in the Harbour would save the lives of the floating...