Enclosure 5.
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Hon. Colonial Secretary,
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Mr. Boulton's investigations are of great value in determining an approximate cost of dredging the harbour, and in paving the way for definite action, as the Hon. Director of Public Works claims for them.
2.
The dredging required, as shown on Chart 'F', corresponds pretty accurately with my predecessor's views, with which I concur. I think, however, that the area off Yaumati should not be less than 5 fathoms deep in any portion. This water is fairly well protected as an anchorage ground, and should a railway terminus eventually be established on the mainland in this vicinity, it is reasonable to expect that goods may be shipped on the deepest draught vessels.
3.
The creation of an island on Kellett's bank, as mentioned in paragraph 40, appears to me a very sound suggestion. It should assist imperial needs if connected with Green Island, and create a stronger flow of tide through Sulphur Channel, tending to prevent silting in this neighbourhood.
4.
The proposed channel off the North-West corner of Lamma Island, paragraph 41, may, I think, be regarded as an outside consideration, at any rate for the present. Should it become necessary for vessels to use the East Lamma Channel when coming from the South, there would be little loss of time. A light, say on Ma Kong Island, would perhaps be necessary to take a ship into the ray of Green Island Light, which alternative might be considered in due course.
5.
Referring to paragraph 42 of the Report, I gather from previous papers that the Admiralty are not likely to undertake a fresh survey of the harbour without at any rate some very cogent reason. It is possible, however, that a perusal of Mr. Boulton's