that His Excellency is not likely to be provided in the near future. I consider that it is a question of this alleged importance that when the lights are ready this should be brought to notice. This deficiency cannot be made good.
A case for 4 tin Esquimaux Voterikus who are 1 officer and 39 men under Colonel Nicholson, and this as most of the Engineer Volunteers are experts in their own branches in the Employment of the Dock Companies they would be required by this new form of work outlined by the war.
5. The question of Port Warren Signal Stations is under consideration here, (my 1.48/04 of the 6th May 1904) both by the Naval Commander in Chief.
6. The Pranchio, has been bought and notification to meet the scheduled requirements is now drawn on the treasury. They have been compared with reference to the approved scheme for gum lights. At the present Entrance Channel position of Green Island and Kellet Bank obstructs the navigation in such a difficult part of the channel can be worked independently on the other, His Excellency's junction of the lures occurring in shallow waters when ships cannot go. The difficulty of planning the huts de shown keeps ripples around the lighted area obstructing navigation nights.
beyond this 483
7. The local defence Committee has before them this question "whether it is advisable in the interests of Harbour to close the western entrance to the Harbour of Hong Kong often have in time of war", and they came to the conclusion that it would be advisable. It appeared to them that it would in no way impede or hamper trade, but they thought that it would be advisable to keep open the portion of the entrance to the North of Stonecutters for the use of Junk traffic only. So this would have to be through the Lyemun Pass, which would reduce the navigation channel's requirements to this channel with the Exception of that for the junk traffic North of Stonecutters, when a steamer makes Gap lock, which is about 36 miles from the Harbour it is found no easy task for it to make the Lyemun Pass.
8. Another point that Committee has before them was of recent events "caused by the proximity with the Conveyance of the Harbour rapidly being within striking distance of action of torpedo boats in these waters" The committee were unable to come to any decision without the advice of Experts and as the question is to be considered connected with Harbour defence, I think the opinion of the Naval Commander-in-Chief should be drawn on the subject.
9. As to the provision of a refuge for women and children, it is generally agreed now that this can be accommodated easily and protected by special Constables who would be employed.
10.
I would call attention to the rapidly increasing Chinese population on the Island and the situation in consequence as regards:-
(i) A possible demonstration or riot.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your Excellency's obedient servant,
(S.H.)
Major General
Commanding in South China,