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The Light on Cape D'Aguilar does fairly well for vessels from the North, but is no use at all to vessels from the South, and I suggest a Light on Gap Rock as most suitable, though possibly on the examination of the localities might find a better site. The principal sufferers by the present want are the mail steamers and other steamers from Singapore. On former discussions on this subject, it has been urged that the Chinese Government will not grant a site, carrying with it territorial jurisdiction; but surely a lease of a site not carrying jurisdiction could be ob- tained, or again the Colony might provide the funds and hand the lighthouse over to the Chinese Authorities, who maintain so well the Coast lights. The want is pressing and it will be a long time before the Chinese lighthouse board will erect one on their own account; as they have so many wants to supply, and easy means can be found to meet the lighthouse board. It must be remembered that the cost of every steamer's delay and of the insurance falls indirectly or directly on the Colony, and that the loss of one vessel of any size pressing on at night without a light to guide her, would be more than equivalent to the expense of building the Lighthouse.
Believe me, &c.,
(Signed),
J. P. MACLEAR.
(True Copy).
R. MURRAY RUMSEY, Rt. Com. R.N.,
Acting Harbour Master, &c.
Minute by His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.
4th April, 1886.
It is impossible to take this into consideration at the present time as there are no funds available and other works are much more urgently required.
(Signed), W. H. MARSH.
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