Construction at Hong Kong, and as thus year have been Estimates already apportioned, it would not be advisable that the work should be carried on at present this year: I would, however, suggest for your consideration that the subject should be metacted in Connexion with the Estimates for 1888, when representations from the Chinese Govt. and the Chamber of Commerce on this account, I shall not withhold my sanction.
However, I do not clearly understand why the proposal of Sir R. Harly to have the Lighthouse constructed by the end of the year 1890, having regard to the fact that the Colonial Govt. was to bear only one third of the cost, should not have been entertained. I still consent to the terms now proposed, and provided that no loan is raised for any sum whatever on...
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