During the last five years, typhoons have occasionally occurred, and on record, one was in November 1900, and another in July 1896; the latter was very disastrous and affected the sea walls and the immediate neighbourhood of the site in question, breaking down sea walls.
Referring to the prevailing winds and the formation of the shore and adjoining Island, it is on record that the site is situated in a position for receiving deposits of silt, being a shoal ground and a natural receptacle for the silt arising from the surrounding country.
An annual denuding effect of rain storms on the surrounding country would cause a charge in dredging in addition to the first cost of dredging. The first cost of dredging would amount to £162,500.
One of the beneficial advantages of the present Dockyard is that the south side is not congested with Chinese dwellings; and it must be admitted that, in a Colony where plague is always present, in selecting a site for an Imperial Government Establishment where a large European staff, in conjunction with at least 1800 native workmen are employed, particular care should be exercised that the surroundings are advantageous, as any district in the Colony not subjected to the beneficial effects of the circulation of air would be undesirable.