Sessional_Paper_1886-1887 — Page 173

170

No. 113.

Acting Harbour Master to Acting Colonial Secretary..

HARBOUR Department,

SIR,

HONGKONG, 9th March, 1886.

I have the honour to report, for the information of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government, that I have received a letter from Captain MACLEAR, R.N. of H.M.S. Flying Fish (copy enclosed) directing my attention to the want of an outside Lighthouse to the Port. In reply, I have told Captain MACLEAR that I shall bring the matter to the notice of the Government.

The great benefit to be derived from such a light, as is referred to by Captain MACLEAR, to vessels bound to Hongkong, is manifest, and this was fully recognized in the original scheme for lighting the approaches to the Port.

It appears, however, from former Correspondence that a difficulty arose with the Chinese Authorities as to the cession-by leasing or otherwise-of those places in the neighbourhood of the Colony, which had been suggested as the most suitable sites for Lighthouses, amongst which was the Gap Rock-and the result was that no outside light was established.

The Chinese Customs have done much towards lighting the Coast North of Hongkong, but Breaker Point is the most Southern light at present.

Mr. HENDERSON, Chief Engineer of the Chinese Lighthouse Department in his report dated 20th June, 1872, (C.S.O. 1860) estimated the cost of establishing a Light (First Order-revolving) on Gap Rock at £10,000,

The increase in the amount of tonnage entering the port appears a good reason for re-opening this question. A plan by which the Colony should find the money, and the Chinese Government should build and maintain the Lighthouse, though proposed, does not seem ever to have been matured, yet, in view of the difficulty as to territory, and seeing that the other Coast lights are satisfactorily maintained by the Chinese Government, this plan would seem to be worthy of present attention.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

The Honourable F. STEWART, LL.D.,

R. MURRAY RUMSEY, Rt. Com. R.N.,

Acting Harbour Master, &c.

Acting Colonial Secretary,

St.,

&c.

(Copy.)

Captain Maclear to Acting Harbour Master.

H. M. S. Flying Fish, HONGKONG, 5th March, 1886.

DEAR CAPTAIN RUMSEY,

Before leaving Hongkong again I wish to bring before you the great want of an outside Lighthouse to the port, in order that you may move the Chamber of Commerce to action in the matter.

The want of an outside Lighthouse is severely felt by those who are unable to make the land before dark, and have therefore to lay off for the night with loss of twelve hours' time at least, or have to proceed in the dark at risk of running ashore.