591
20026
(6::: 13 OCT 90.
It was productive of much amusement to all concerned, one of those instances where a man failed to be a hero, not only to his own valet, but even to the boatmen and coolies, and officialdom for once appeared helplessly human. A Chief Justice, a General, a Governor even, could scarcely, with the best intentions, preserve a dignified appearance while being hauled up by a crane like a bale of goods and remaining occasionally for a few seconds suspended between earth and heaven like a coffin. The landing being at last effected, the party proceeded to the summit of the Rock, where the ceremony of laying the foundation stone was to be performed. Before proceeding to lay the stone,
His EXCELLENCY said: It affords me great pleasure and satisfaction to take part in the ceremony to perform which we are here to-day. The laying of this foundation stone will, I feel sure, prove a great source of safety to that large amount of shipping which during the course of the year travels over distant seas, bound for this eastern part of the world. We knew that when this project was first thought of, several difficulties arose in connection with it, but it was so generally admitted that a lighthouse to the south of Hongkong would be desirable that these difficulties were at last overcome, and to-day we give the real commencement to a work which we all trust will be a boon to many.
We know that Governor Des Voeux used every exertion in order to bring this work to completion, but his good services would have availed but little had he not obtained the co-operation of the Chinese Authorities. Therefore, those who will derive a benefit hereafter from this lighthouse will not only owe a debt of gratitude to Hongkong but also to the Chinese Authorities who co-operated with them to carry out the scheme, as also to Sir Robert Hart, the chief of the Imperial Chinese Maritime Customs, and, I believe, to Her Majesty's Minister at Peking, who did all he could to further Sir William Des Vœux's wishes, in order that this work should be commenced. There is no doubt that this work will be a costly one. The revised estimate is, I believe, $150,000, and I earnestly hope, and I believe that such will be the case, that this estimate will not be exceeded. Of course, a great deal depends on the condition of the weather. If the weather is favourable, the work will progress more quickly and the expenses will be less; if the weather happens to be bad, the work will be delayed and the cost will be more. However, whether the cost should be within the estimate or whether it should be above it, you will, I think, all agree with me that it is money well spent.
This lighthouse when completed will be about 140 feet high, and the light will be visible from a distance of 21 miles. The more navigation increases, as it does every year, the larger ships are made, the more valuable the cargoes that are carried round the world, the greater the number of passengers — the greater should be the securities for safety, and amongst these, none are greater than these beacons which are erected in all parts of the world for the guidance of vessels through the boisterous and obscure waters found in every sea all over the globe. It is, I repeat, a very great pleasure to me to lay this foundation stone to-day, and I hope that before the end of next year or early in the commencement of the year following, this great work so long thought of will be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
The stone having been lowered into its place was declared by His Excellency to be well and truly laid, three cheers being given by those assembled, the Chinese workmen following with much firing of crackers and bombs. After having made an inspection of the work already done in preparation for the construction, the party were again put on board. The steamer cast off from her buoy about 3 p.m. An excellent tiffin was served en route for Hongkong, and the steamer arrived off Murray Pier shortly after 6 p.m., a most pleasant trip having been made by all on board.
591
20026
(6::: 13 OCT 90.
It was
ed much amusement to all concerned. one of those instances where a man failed to be a hero, not only to bis own valet, but even to the boatmen and coolies, and officialdo for once appeared helplessly human. A Chief Justice, a General. a Governor even, could soareely, with the best intentious, preserve a dignified appearance while being hauled up by a crane like a bale of goods and remaining occasionally for a few seconds suspended between earth and heaven like ahomet's coffin. The landing being at last effected, the party proceeded to the summit of! the Rock, where the ceremony of laying the foundation stone was to be performed. Before proceeding to lay the stone,
His EXCELLENCY said-It affords me great pleasure and satisfaction to take part in the cere- mony to perform which we are here to-day. Too laying of this foundation stone will, I feel sure, prove a great source of safety to that large i amount of shipping which during the course of the year travels over distant seas, bound for this eastern part of the world. We knew that when this project was fist thought of several difficulties arose iu eonnection with it, but it was so generally samitted that a lighthonse to the south of Hongkong would be desirable that these difficulties were at last overcome, and to-day we give the real commencement to a work which we all trust will be a boon! to many
Some-
We know that Governor Des Voeux used every exertion in order to bring this work to completion, but his good services wond have availed but little had he not obtained the co-operation of the Chinese Authorities. There-i fore those who will derive a benefit hereafter from this lighthouse will not only owe a debt of gratitude to Hongkong but also to the Chinese Authorities who co-operated with them to carry out the scheme, as also to Sir Robert Hart, the chief of the Imperial Chinese Maritime Customs and. I believe, to Her Majesty's Minis ter at Peking, who did all he could to further Sir William des Vœux's wishes, in order that this work should be commenced. There is no doubt that this work will be a what costly one. The revised estimate is. I believe, $150.000 and I earnestly hope, and I believe that such will be the case, that this estimate will not be exceeded, Of course, a great deal depends on the condition of the weather If the weather is favourable the j work will progress more quickly and the ex penses will be less, if the weather happous to i be bad, the work will be delayed and the cost. will be mors. However, whether the cost should be within the estimate or whether it should be above it, you will I think all agree with me, that it is money well spent. This lighthouse when completed will be about 140 feet high and the light will visible from a distance of 21 miles. The more navigation increases, as it does every year, the larger ships are made, be more valu- ablo the cargoes that are carried round the worli, the greater the number of passengers Cycl
, the greater should be the securities for safety, and amongst these, none are greater than these beacons which are erected in all parts of the world for the guidance of vessels through the boisterous and obscure waters found in every sea all the globe over. It is. I repeat, a very great pleasure to me to lay this foundation stone to-day and I hope that before the end of next year or early in the commencement of the year following, this great work so long thought of will be brought to a satisfactory conclusion.
The stone having been lowered in to its place was declared by His Excellency to be well and truly laid, three cheers being given by those assembled, the Chinese workmen following with mach firing of crackers and bombs. After bar- ing mada an inspection of the work already done in preparation for the construction, the party were again put on board. The steamer cast off from her buoy about 3 p.m. An excellent tiffin was served en route for Hongkong, and the steamer arrived off Murray Pier shortly after 6 p.m, a most pleasant trip having been made by all on board.
conged
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