The use of lights is confined to a few rickshaws. The personal inconvenience of one or two small traders will, I trust, not be allowed to weigh against the defences of the Colony, which it is decidedly in the interests of the said traders to assist as much as possible. Pending a decision being arrived at on this subject, I would ask for permission to run these lights from temporary platforms if at any time urgent necessity for their immediate use arises. And, in any case, I ask for such permission from the 7th to 9th December next, in connection with the half-yearly continuous nights running which is laid down by regulations.
I have etc.,
(Sd.) Q. H. Darling,
Colonel,
for Major-General,
Commanding the Troops in South China.
(Absent on leave.)