Sessional_Paper_1901 — Page 281

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Copy. 334900/900.

SIR,

DOWNING STREET,

23rd October, 1900.

I am directed by Mr. Secretary CHAMBERLAIN to transmit to you, to be laid before the Elder Brethren of the Trinity House, a copy of correspondence, noted in the margin, respecting a proposal to improve the lighting of the approaches to the harbour of Hongkong by transferring the light on Cape D'Aguilar to Green Island, and the Light at the latter place to Cape Collinson.

2. In this connexion I am to refer to your letter of the Board of Trade of the 13th October, 1899, and to ask that the Elder Brethren may be so good as to advise Mr. CHAMBERLAIN, having regard to paragraph 3 of Commander RUMSEY'S letter, whether they anticipate any practical disadvantage from placing the lights in question at different elevations to those for which they were designed.

3. I am to ask that the despatches from the Colony, which are sent in original, may be returned with your reply.

The Secretary to the

CORPORATION OF TRINITY HOUSE.

Copy. Ex. 4301.

SIR,

I am, &c.,

(Signed)

R. L. ANTROBUS.

TRINITY HOUSE, LONDON, E.C., 10th November, 1900.

I am directed by the Elder Brethren to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 23rd ultimo (33490/1900), forwarding copy of correspondence relative to the lighting of the approaches to the Harbour of Hongkong.

In reply I am to acquaint you, for the information of Mr. Secretary CHAMBER- LAIN, that the Elder Brethren have given the matter their careful consideration, and are of opinion that it would be a decided improvement to the lighting of the approaches to Hongkong if Commander RUMSEY's proposals as to Green Island and Cape Collinson were carried out. They would therefore recommend that a new tower be erected on Green Island adjacent to the present one, and the disused lan- tern and apparatus from Cape D'Aguilar fitted therein, the focal plane of the light to be 110 feet above high water, so that it may have a range of visibility of 16 miles, and they are further of opinion that the light should be occulting, giving one occultation of three seconds' duration every 20 seconds.

They also recommend that the fourth Order Lantern and Apparatus now in use at Green Island be transferred to Cape Collinson, and a new structure erected there for the purpose, adjacent to the present building, the focal plane of the light to be the same as at present, viz.:—about 200 feet, and the Elder Brethren are of opinion that this light also should be occulting, giving one occultation of three seconds' duration every ten seconds.

In reply to your enquiry as regard the elevation of the lights, I am to state that for practical purposes their effect will not be impaired if exhibited at the heights named above.

If it is decided to adopt the suggestion as to the lights being occulting, I am to request that this may be stated when the requisition for the supply of the neces sary machinery is made.

The original documents accompanying your letter are returned herewith as requested.

The Under Secretary of State, Colonial Office.

I am, &c.,

(Signed)

CHAS. A. KENT.