271
ecson of great age done by typhoon. amage to Euro-
reported only a strong breeze from the West.
3.
The storm, as is not unusual, took place about the time of high tide 8.54 a.m. and was accompanied by heavy rain and by the frequently observed phenomenon of the level of the sea being raised first by the wind blowing from all sides into the centre of the storm and secondly by the lesser air pressure over the water in this centre. To the suddenness of the typhoon which gave the steamers no time to get up steam and so relieve the strain on their moorings when blown against them by the wind and the native craft no time to get to shelter was due the great damage on the water while the sea being raised above its ordinary level contributed to increase the damage done to piers, wharves, and sea-walls by vessels colliding against them and also caused the destruction of crops near the shores of the New Territories. To the high wind was due the great damage to temporary buildings and those in any way open to its force and to trees, while falling trees added largely to the destruction of the telephone systems.
Pean Mercantile Shipping.
Gov24691
4.
The estimate of damage contained in my telegram of the 18th September was based on what was visible