675037-1883-Hydrographic-Notices- — Page 6

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THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 20тя JANUARY, 1883.

Towsan Dooyon, forming the eastern side of the harbour, is low and densely wooded; a shoal of considerable extent runs north-eastward from Towsan Dooyon.

Elopura, the principal town, is built on the north shore, three-quarters of a mile from the point. In the early part of 1881, the population was about 800, composed principally of Malays, Chinese, and Sulus.

Dangers. The only danger is the Atjeh rock, lying three cables S.E. of the end of the wooden pier at Elopura; it has 24 fathoms of water on it at low water springs. There was a small black buoy on it in 1881.

Anchorage.-The most convenient anchorage is from half to three-quarters of a mile south of the town, in 8 or fathoms mud.

Supplies. No fresh provisions could be procured in Sandakan in 1881. Water is plentiful and good. Excellent fire-wood was obtained at the rate of seven or eight dollars per thousand pieces; (one thousand pieces were found to be equal to about 24 cwts. of coal,) and occupied a space of 240 cubic feet.

MALLAWALLÉ CHANNEL TO SANDAKAN HARBOUR.

Directions.-The route most commonly adopted by vessels trading on this coast, is that through the Mallawallé Channel, thence south of Kukuban, Tigabu, and Sipeendung, north of Leonan, passing midway between it and the small reefs north-eastward. From this position a course may be shaped to pass about 4 or 5 miles north of Billean.

This route is probably the shortest; the principal difficulties are the two isolated rocks south of Kukuban, and the narrowness of the channel south of Sipeendung. The dangers south of Kukuban may be avoided by adopting the route north of Kukuban and the reef lying Ê.S.E. of it, and then either proceed south of Tigabu and Sipeendung as before, or through the channel between Tigabu and Tibakkan, north of Tigabu reefs; thence north of Sipeendung, east of Sandy island, passing through the channel between Leonan and the reef north-eastward of it, with due care but little difficulty will be found in navigating these channels.

Most of the dangers are easily seen from the masthead, except when the sun is right ahead, and the numerous islands and wooded cays afford excellent marks for bearings. It will generally be found advisable to take the channel next north of Leonan, as from this position, Tagypil will be distinctly visible, and shortly afterwards Billean; whereas by taking a more northern route, there is practically nothing to guide the navigator, and he will probably get foul of the North Billean Dangers.

Pass Billean island, at a distance of from 4 or 5 miles, Lankayan also should be given a berth of about 5 miles. Having passed Lankayan, no difficulty will be experienced in making Sandakan, by passing well northward of Bo-aan and Langaan islands, then between Taganac and the Taganac patches, all dangers will be avoided, and a straight course may be shaped for the mouth of the harbour.

Caution. It should be borne in mind, that no reliance can be placed on the position of Sand cays which have no vegetation on them; the action of the sea frequently causes them to shift considerably and even disappear.

Tides.-At Sandakan, it is high water, full and change, at Oh. Om. Springs rise 6 feet 9 in. Neaps vary from one foot, to 4 feet.

At Tigabu, it is high water, full and change, at 11h. 38m.; springs rise 6 feet 6 in.; neaps vary between 0 feet 10 in. and 2 feet 6 in.; at both places the tides during neaps are exceedingly irregular.

In the Mallawallé channel, the flood was observed to run to the eastward and the ebb to the westward, and at springs had a velocity of about 24 knots.

On the coast between Mallawallé and Sandakan, no regular tidal stream was perceptible, but when the N.E. monsoon blew steadily, there appeared to be a constant set to the N.W.

Hydrographic Office, Admiralty, 9th October 1882.

The information contained in this Notice is to be carefully considered, to be noted in the Sailing Directions and compared with the chart when the ship is navigating the parts to which i refers,

HYDROGRAPHIC NOTICE.

[No. 30.]

CHINA SEA DIRECTORY, VOL. II.

NOTICE No. 10.

TONG-KING GULF, HAINAN ISLAND AND STRAIT, AND SOUTH COAST OF CHINA, The following additional information relating to Tong-King gulf, Hainan island and strait, and south coast of China, has been received from Lieutenant A. Carpenter, commanding H.M. Surveying vessel Magpie, 1881-2.*

All Bearings are Magnetic. Cape Cami 1° 8′ E.

Variation in 1882.

Nau-Chau 1° 4′ E.

TONG-KING GULF.†

LEI-CHAU PENINSULA.-The Coast.-Northward of the wooded islet, situated near the north-west point of Tong-chong bay, the coast appears to form a small bay, off the northern point of which, Nau-sa-Kok spit (Nau-sa point), is a narrow dangerous lava reef, extending some 22 miles westward; the outer half covers at high water,

Nau-sa bay. From Nau-sa point, the coast trends E.N.E. into a long bay, about 6 miles deep, and 10 miles in width, named Nau-sa bay, at the head of which, is a river and village of that name. This bay is terminated by Oo-shek point, north of which is a smaller bay terminated by Mong-tau point, off which, shoal water is said to extend for 5 or 6 miles.

* The information herein, is in continuation of Hydrographic Notice, No. 13 of 1882.

† See Admiralty charts:--Tong-King gulf, No. 2,062; China Sea Northern portion, 2,661a., Song Ka, &c., No 875. Also China Sea Directory, Vol. II., second edition, 1879, pp. 380-2.