Several sites occupied or reserved for such Batteries; namely, fifteen on the North face of Hong Kong extending miles in a straight line, five over a length of seven on Kowloon and three on Stone cutter's Island. I need hardly point out the inconveniences that must inevitably result in the establishment of Garrisons at each of these, or the absolute impossibility of keeping up any satisfactory communication between them in case of attack. I need not enter into any calculation of the expense these would involve, nor whether it would not be more conducive to the security of Hong Kong and Kowloon to dispense altogether with such a scheme as that now in embryo.
I cannot pretend to advance any plan which in my opinion would be sounder in principle than that now before His Excellency, but I can assert that I have frequently consulted Artillery Officers upon some of the questions affecting these sites, and they have been universally condemned; I am therefore now desirous that the appropriation of those which materially interfere with Hong Kong should be specially enquired into: upon the general discussion regarding those which may be determined upon for Kowloon and Stone cutter's Island.
Wellington Battery does not interfere with the city any more than the Cantonment itself within which it is situated; I may, however, explain that it is reported as useless and it is in advance of the Hospital;
Page 507
5.
several sites occupied or reserved for such Batteries; namely, fifteen on the North face of Hong Kong extending miles in a straight line, five
over a
length of seven
on
Kowloon and three on Stone cutter's Island. I need hardly point out the inconveniences that must in- evitably result in the establishment of Garrisons at each of these, or the absolute impossibility of Keeping up any satisfactory communication between them in case of attack. I need not enter into any calz culation of the expense these would whether it would not
involve, nor
be
more conducive to the security of HongKong and Nowloon to dispense altogether with such
a
scheme
as
that
now in embryo.
I cannot pretent to advance
any
#
507
any plan which in my opinion would be sounder in principle than that now
before His Excellency, but
I can assert that I have frequent. by consulted Artillery Officers upon some of the questions affecting these sites, and they have been universally condemned; I am therefore now desirous that the appropriation of those which ma terially, interfere with Hongriong should be specially enquired into: upon the general discussion re- garding those which may be de. termined upon for Nowloon and
Stone cutter's Island.
Wellington Battery does not in- - terfere with the fily any more than
the Cantonment itself within which it is situated; I may, however, ex- plain that is reported as useless
and it is in advance of the Hospitat;
from
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.