245/1904 - C.S.O.
W.L.2372/04.
47
Government House, Hong Kong.
19th January 1904.
Sir,
With reference to Rear Admiral Robinson's letter No. 1051 of the 8th instant, I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that there is no record of his letter of the 30th June, therein referred to, having been received by this Government. A copy of that letter has now been received from the Rear Admiral's Secretary, and in reply to it I have the honour to inform Your Excellency that the wall referred to was on Military land and was constructed by the Military Authorities. Its failure led to the carrying away of a considerable area of the invert also belonging to the Military Authorities, which was laid with large granite stones. The damage done to Nullahs belonging to the Colonial Government, which is referred to in the final paragraph of the letter of the 30th June was very trifling and could not possibly have caused the blocking of the Nullah.
This Government is therefore not liable for the cost of clearing the Nullah or of dredging the deposit on the sea-bed at the outlet.
I have etc.
(Sgd) F.H. May.
Officer Administering the Government.
His Excellency,
Admiral Sir Cyprian Bridge, K.C.B.