Sessional_Paper_1887-1888 — Page 299

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the two classes of light. A fixed one need be nothing more than a lantern perched on the flat-roof of the keepers house, whereas a flashing one will require a revolving apparatus. A revolving apparatus necessitates a tower in order to obtain the height necessary for the drop required by the weights which drive the clock-work and revolve the apparatus. A flashing light on the Gap Rock would therefore involve the building of a tower about 30 feet high which would be avoided by the adoption of a fixed light. If this idea is favourably received the present apparatus at Cape D'Aguilar will do for the Gap Rock. The whole can be taken to pieces and trans- ferred from one spot to the other, D'Aguilar having been of course previously advertized as extinct between specified dates. The erection of the flashing light at D'Aguilar presents no difficulties. Inseparable from a light at the Gap Rock would be a fog-signal which should be included in the estimate. The proposition that the Gap Rock and Cape D'Aguilar should exchange the class of light is submitted entirely from the point of view of Engineering convenience, there may possibly be objections from a navigator's point of view with which I am unacquainted.

J. M. PRICE.

3rd May, 1888.

(4.) Minute by the Governor.

ture.

It is unfortunate that this should come in after Commander MOORE's depar- I don't know now whom to consult on the navigator's aspect of the question.

G. WILLIAM DES VŒUX.

4th May, 1888.

(5.)

Minute by the Colonial Secretary.

I think the Commodore could give, or obtain, the necessary information. The Acting Harbour Master too, could give useful advice in the matter.

4th May, 1888.

FREDERICK STEWART.

(6.) Minute by the Governor.

Ask both, former by draft letter.

5th May, 1888.

No. 571.

(7.)

G. WILLIAM DES VŒUX.

(Colonial Secretary to Harbour Master.)

3rd May, 1888.

SIR,

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE.

HONGKONG, 7th May, 1888.

I am directed by His Excellency the Governor to transmit, for your consider- ́ation, the enclosed copy of a Minute by the Surveyor General respecting the pro- posed Light on Gap Rock, and to enquire whether there are any objections, from a navigator's point of view, to the suggestions made therein.

R. MURRAY RUMSEY, Esq., R.N.,

Acting Harbour Master,

I have, &c.,

FREDERICK STEWART. Colonial Secretary.