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-south-south-west. The full force of the seas therefore fell on the southern face of the Rock when the spur would act as a protection to the eastern gap. Mr. NICHOLAS, who was on the Rock during both typhoons, confirms, by his observations of the direction of the seas, the views we have above expressed. In consequence of the full force of the typhoon being more southerly in October last than during the previous typhoon, the circumstance is entirely due that practically no damage was produced by the former whilst the latter was peculiarly disastrous.

23. Previous Reports. Two reports have been prepared by the Director of Public Works bearing on the foregoing subject, these documents are dated 16th and 25th October, 1893, respectively, and show clearly the extent of the damage caused by the typhoon and the conditions which attended the disaster.

24. On 8th August last the Engineer to the Trinity Corporation, to whom the matter had been referred, reported, inter alia, that the Buildings offer great resistance to the sea and that in his opinion they are inadequate for such an exceptionally exposed position. The report concludes with the following paragraphs :-

"I am of opinion it would have been preferable had the Lighthouse been erected at the north "end of the Rock, as it will be seen from the formation of this site that it is well "protected and only broken water, to a harmless extent, could, at any time, have "surrounded a building so placed. The Tower should also, I consider, have been treated as a Rock Lighthouse, constructed of cylindrical form and having a cylindrical lantern "as used in the Corporation service."

it

"A repetition of the damage recently experienced might not improbably be averted by "filling the gully on the east side, previously referred to, and the removal of the cause- way at the end of the gully which would have the effect of easing the sea over the "Rock. I regret to state, however, that even if this were successfully carried out, "which would involve considerable expenditure, the safety of the existing Lighthouse "and premises would still remain a source of anxiety."

RECOMMENDATIONS.

25. Accompanying Drawings.-This report is accompanied by two drawings * marked No. 1 and No. 2 respectively.

26. Drawing No. 1 shows a plan of the Gap Rock with contour lines at each 10 feet in height. These bring out the configuration of the Rock, as far as it is practicable to do so, although without an inspection, it is difficult to grasp the effect which the sea would have on the gaps and more particularly that on the eastern face. The sheet also shows by red colour the new position which we propose for the Lighthouse and the European Quarters.

scope

27. Drawing No. 2 shows general views of the New Tower and Quarters, from which their and character and the mode of construction proposed to be adopted will be readily understood. The details indicated on this sheet are, of course, subject to modification by the Director of Public Works upon preparing the larger scale drawings from which the structures would be executed. This sheet also shows a longitudinal section whereon the new Lighthouse and works are coloured red, whereas those portions of the existing buildings which we consider should be removed are crossed by red lines.

28. New Tower.--Upon referring to the drawings it will be observed, that we propose to build a new Tower on the northern portion of the Rock. It would be a cylindrical structure, generally of 14 feet internal diameter, the walls being of massive proportions and consisting of brickwork faced with granite. It would rest on a heavy base and sub-base of granite and concrete, coming well within the edge of the plateau at the crest of the Rock to which reference has been made. The Tower would carry a new lantern of cylindrical form, furnished with helical framing and circular glazing, all of the most recent type as adopted by the Trinity Corporation. The existing apparatus would be re-fixed in the new Tower, so that the character of the light would remain unchanged. Efficient arrangements would have to be adopted for the exhibition of a temporary light during the carrying out of the modifications. The focal plane of the apparatus, when re-fixed, would be 150 feet above mean sea level, as compared with 141 feet 8 inches as at present, a modification, which whilst necessary for construction purposes, would not exercise any material effect on the light.

29. New Quarters for Europeans.-To the north-west of the new Tower and abutting thereon, we propose to erect quarters for three European Keepers. The building would be one story only in height and would rest on a lower base corresponding with that which carries the Tower. Underneath the floors a large tank would be provided for the storage of fresh water caught from the roofs. The accommodation afforded by the new quarters would be practically the same as that now provided with regard to space and air, but the walls would be much heavier and the block of buildings placed on the lee side of the Tower facing Ladrone Islands and the mainland, where they would be in shelter. 30. Having regard to the heat during the summer season, when the day temperature within the existing buildings is from 86° to 88°, we are opinion that external quarters for the Keepers are in this case imperative, as distinguished from quarters within Rock Towers as provided at home, where the heat is less severe. Moreover, in this case no disadvantage will arise, or source of weakness result, from the adoption of external quarters of the character suggested and shown on the drawings.

* Not printed.