There arises from the circumstances that owing to the level at which the foundation course of ashlar is laid, viz: one foot below low water level, during the S.W. monsoon there are comparatively few days in the year when it is possible to set the footings.
Moreover, owing to the influence of the monsoons, the tides of the China Sea are much less constant than those of the British Isles, and are largely affected by the force and direction of the wind; it is impossible to foretell with any degree of accuracy what the level of the water will be at any given period. Consequently, the number of low tides varies considerably between one year and another.
Mr. W. Bowdler, who as Acting Surveyor General since 1874 has had great experience in these matters, informs me that, taking one year with another, the number of days in which it follows that the time for putting in the foundations can be estimated at more than 85 hours per annum on average.
The length of Praya wall sanctioned by the Ordinance of 1889 is 9191 lineal feet. Judging by the experience of the past, it is probable that if the wall is built as designed, the completion of the work can hardly take less than 8 years. During construction, the amount expended will prove unremunerative, and the anticipated profit to the Lotholders will remain in abeyance. Moreover, very considerable inconvenience must be caused to the trade of the Port as long as the work is going on. It becomes, therefore, of primary importance to consider the means of accelerating the rate of progress and anticipating the final completion of the undertaking.
To accomplish both these objects, i.e., (1) to secure the consolidation of the rubble mound before building the masonry wall...
Page 60
Page 61