CO129-401 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [5-6] — Page 255

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5.

The Harbour Master thinks that one light will

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amply suffice for the Pratas reef, as no part of the shoal is more than 12 miles from the highest part of it. But the Paracels should, in his opinion, have at least two lights one on Lincoln Island on the East, in latitude 16o. 40' N.; longitude 1120 44'

E., and one on Triton Island on the South West in latitude 15

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46' N.; longitude 111o. 14' 30" E. Another light on North Reef, on North West, in latitude 179. 2′ 30"; longitude 111°. 32′ E. would also he thinks be helpful. The distances are from Lincoln Island to Triton Island 100 miles: from Triton Island to North

Reef about 80 miles: and from North Reef to Lincoln's Island

about 75 miles. It should not be overlooked that the currents in

the vicinity of these reefs are very uncertain, and that fogs are prevalent at certain times of the year, to say nothing of the periodical typhoons which pass over the China Sea at frequent

intervals.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble servant,

Governor,&c..