Directory_and_Chronicle_1877 — Page 847

GEOGRAPHICAL AND STATISTICAL.

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deep water all round. The S.W. head bears from Point Bondulan N.N.E. ¦ E. 1/2 miles. Iloilo fort kept open off Point Bandulan will clear this danger.

Anchorage. The island of Guimarás forms in front of Iloilo a sheltered passage running nearly N. and S. about 2 miles broad, with deep water and good holding ground, except immediately to the eastward of the fort, where the sand is loose. In, mid-channel the depth exceeds 20 fathoms. The best anchorage, least exposed to the sweep of the tides, is to bring the Bantay (guard house) off the south point of the river to bear N.W. N., with the fort bearing S.W. W. Here a ship is out of the strongest current, with the advantage that cargo-boats can casily reach her and return.

TO ENTER THE River and InnER PORT OF ILOILO.-Although the land is low at the entrance, the mouth of the river is distinctly seen, being marked by beacons on the port and starboard sides. On entering, keep the port beacon close on board, after passing which and the watch house, steer for the second point on the starboard hand, giving it a berth of forty feet. The east bank, with 16 feet, should be closed to this distance until after the first sharp bend of the creek is passed, and then the port side to the wharf or anchorage. Vessels usually bring up at jetties, about half-a-mile to one mile from the entrance, and have the advantage, if of moderate size, of discharging and loading at the stores without employing boats. The creek, or rather tidal river, varies in breadth from a quarter to half-a-mile, and reaches beyond the town of Melo, meeting the sea again near Iloilo; and another branch continues as far as Otong.

DEPTH OF WATER.-The depth at the entrance to the river is nearly 5 fathoms at low water, but at a short distance within it decreases to 15 feet, and then deepens. The rise of tide being 6 feet, vessels drawing 16 to 18 feet can easily enter and leave; and when, as is proposed, a dredging-machine is employed to clear away the mud which has been allowed to accumulate, vessels of almost any draught will be able to complete their cargo inside. Ships of 1,000 tons register have loaded part cargoes alongside the jetties. The custom is to load to 14 to 15 feet in the river and complete loading outside.

TIDES.-It is high water at Iloilo, full and change, at noon; spring rise 6 feet. The stream runs at spring quite 3 to 4 knots through Iloilo. The flood sets to the northward. The ebb tide to the north of Pepitas rocks runs to the eastward, but to the south of these rocks to the westward.

VARIATION OF THE COMPASS.—1 deg. 15 min. E.

PROVISIONS AND WATER.-Fresh beef is cheap and good. Good water can always be got a little to the north and south of the village of Pilator Buena Vista on Guimarás. It is best to take up the casks at high water on the beach, and with the aid of the natives fill them, so as to be ready to go off with the following tide. Take care to leave a little before high water, so as to be sure of reaching the ship, as the tide changes suddenly, and runs down with great strength.

down.

REPAIRS.-The river of Iloilo affords considerable facilities for heaving vessels

PORT DUES.-There are no port dues.

MANIFEST. This document must be certified by the Spanish Consul at the port from which the vessel arrives, under penalty of a fine of $200. This also applies to vessels in ballast, and must be delivered in Spanish in triplicate at the Custom-house within thirty-six hours after the official visit has been paid. Penalty for non-compliance, $500. No one is allowed to come on board or leave the ship, except the Pilot, until after the Custom-house visit has been paid under a penalty of $100.

MONEY.-The currency is confined to Spanish and South American dollars and subdivisions, and to the $1, $2, and $4 gold pieces coined in Manila.

WAGES.-The wages of labourers for shipping average from 25 to 30 cents a day;

Carpenters 31 to 50 cents; Caulkers 37 cents.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.-The picul of 100 catties, or 140 lbs. English; the quintal of 4 arrobas, or 100 lbs. Spanish, equal to 100 lbs. English; the arroba of 25 lbs. Spanish.

PRODUCE.-The country around Iloilo and in the province and islands generally is very fertile and extensively cultivated. It is well peopled, and there are towns of