THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 7TH OCTOBER, 1893.
1051
From two most
public, and not less so for those who have to frame the forecast. important quarters, Formosa and Hainan, telegrams are so seldom received (and if received are never in time during the typhoon season) that we never expect them, and for purposes of for casting, they are, therefore, almost if not quite useless for the greater part of the year. In Hainan Hoihow is the only station; and in Formosa, Anping the only one from which we are supposed to get telegrams. South Cape is not in telegraphic connection with the outer world. From Anping telegrams are in summer not received more than twice or thrice in a fortnight.
The CHAIRMAN.-How do you make the forecasts then? How is it done?
Mr. FIGG. An examination of the observations is made and the changes, in pressure, wind and weather, which have taken place since the last observation at the various stations is noted. The relative heights of the barometer and the rate of changes of pressure then in progress at each station is then taken into account and an estimate formed of how the wind is going to change. As the stations are far asunder and for reasons before mentioned it is easily seen that inferences so drawn are sometimes incorrect and more especially as the weather on the coast is greatly modified by pressure and temperature conditions prevailing over Central China and of which at the time we know absolutely nothing, local weather is forecast using the foregoing data and by inspection of the appearances of the sky with regard to clouds and dampness. Use is also made of the rain-band spectro- scope, but in my experience here it is of very little use for forecasting rain though perhaps as regards foretelling thunderstorms its indications are sometimes of service. As we have no isobars we cannot foretell the weather from their shape as in other places.
Captain TILLETT.—With how many stations are you in telegraphic connection?
The CHAIRMAN.-There are about 18 if you count them all; but stations in or very near the Colony can hardly be counted as more than one station.
Commander MILLER, R.N.-They would count for more than one station if the observations were recorded very accurately.
The CHAIRMAN.-Mr. FIGG, if the stations were all right and scattered over China, how many would you want to make isobaric weather charts? Would 50 do?
Mr. FIGG.-Hardly.
The CHAIRMAN.-Would 100 do?
Mr. FIGG. They might.
Commander MILLER, R.N.--How many stations would you require round the China Sea to draw isobars?
*
The CHAIRMAN.-It is impossible to draw isobars over the sea from stations on shore.
With inferior stations 1,000 would not be enough, but if the stations were all right and properly distributed 20 would go a long way to allow inferences to be drawn regarding the weather over the sea.
Captain TILLETT.-How much would it cost to issue a daily isobaric weather chart for the part of the Far East between Shanghai and Cape St. James.
The CHAIRMAN.-Weather charts for the whole of the Far East something like two million dollars a year. We might want 300 stations in telegraphic con- nection with us. This Colony could not afford to pay for an accurate isobaric
weather service for the whole of the Far East.
Captain TILLETT.-It cannot be done then?
-
We
The CHAIRMAN. - Not with the means at present at our disposal here. get the observations, such as they are for nothing and get them forwarded for no- thing. We cannot find fault with those who so generously assist us.
You now see that the issue of such information-such very expensive information- --as they issue in Europe or America is impossible for me here, through circumstances over which I have no control.
Meeting adjourned till Tuesday, the 26th September, at 3 P.M.
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