Sessional_Paper_1886-1887 — Page 312

309

the China Sea, and that a light placed upon it may be retained in view for 20 miles after a ship has left it behind or until it is able to pick up the actual Green Island light, an advantage that would be lost, if the light were placed elsewhere as the other islets are so situated as to cause them to shut each other out of view from the direction of Hongkong.

The highest point of the Gap Rock is only about 90 feet above mean sea level. In order therefore to enable the proposed light to be seen at a distance of 20 geographical miles, a tower about 110 feet high will be requisite.

The configuration of the rock is very steep, almost percipitous nearly on all sides, but there are one or two places that shelve down to the water's edge, which would make a landing feasible on a very calm day. As far as I have been able to judge access can be made effectual at all times in fair weather by means of a derrick-crane with a fifty-foot jib, a lodgement for the foundation of which can be made by cutting out a place in the solid rock above the reach of ordinary storm

waves.

There are many days during the months of March and April when the sea is as smooth as a sheet of glass, and this exceptional season might be availed of to effect a first landing of men, materials, and stores.

I believe it is a principle of coast lighting to select that position for a Light- house which best meets maritime requirements and to subordinate to this all other considerations in respect of increased cost, and trouble in the subsequent mainte- If therefore following this principle the Colonial Government wish to erect a light on the Gap Rock, I see no engineering difficulty which may not be over- come, if it becomes necessary to give effect to that wish.

nance.

The Honourable FREDERICK STEWART, LL.D.,

Acting Colonial Secretary,

&c.,

&c.,

&c.

I have, &c.,

J. M. PRICE,

Surveyor General.

Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Officer Administering the Government.

HONGKONG.

No. 21.

SIR,

DOWNING STREET,

12th February, 1887.

I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch, No. 369, of the 25th of November last, with enclosures, relative to the proposed construction by the Colony of a Light-house on the Gap Rock, to be maintained by the Chinese Government.

2. I consider that, as there are so many Public Works at present in course of construction at Hongkong, and as this year's Estimates have been already apportioned, it would not be advisable that the work should be carried out at present.

3. I would however, suggest that the subject should be considered in con- nexion with the Estimates for 1888, when, if the Chinese Government, and the Chamber of Commerce still consent to the terms now proposed, and provided that no loan is raised for any sum whatever on this account, I shall not withhold my sanction.

4. I do not however, clearly understand why the proposal of Sir R. HART, that the Light-house should be constructed by the end of the year 1890, and that the Colonial Government should not bear more than one third of the cost, has not been entertained.

5. I enclose, for your information, a copy of a letter from the Board of Trade to whom a copy of year Despatch and draft of this reply was communicated.

I have, &c.,

The Officer Administering the Government of

HONGKONG.

H. T. HOLLAND.