Sessional_Paper_1908 — Page 674

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Enclosure 4.

REPORT OF CAPTAIN SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE.

A Typhoon of extraordinary velocity struck the Colony on the night of the 27th of July. Coming as it did so soon after the heavy rains of the previous week, which culminated in a severe thunderstorm on the 24th, the damage done on land was very great, and most of the houses in the Colony suffered some damage. At "Kingsclere" Hotel a chimney was blown down, which, falling through the roof caused considerable damage, and the débris buried a European for some hours. I have received a letter from Messrs. Shewan, Tomes & Co. thanking the Police for their "splendid work in rescuing him".

The party was in charge of Chief Inspector Baker. A similar mishap in King's Buildings caused a collapse, which was doubtless made more serious by the presence of some heavy iron safes on the upper floors. Fortunately no loss of life occurred. A number of old houses collapsed at Yaumati and Shaukiwan, resulting in 66 deaths. Several Mission houses in Cheung Chau were blown down. Trees suffered severely everywhere: telephones and telegraphs also. With the exception of the loss of the S.S. "Ying King" which foundered in Castle Peak Bay the damage done afloat was not so serious as might have been expected. Several ships went ashore, including H.M.S. "Whiting", or dragged their moorings. Seven launches were sunk and seven went ashore. A water boat and several lighters were sunk. A Star Ferry boat went ashore. Three of the Police launches were damaged. They sheltered at the Naval Yard Camber with the kind permission of Commander Penfold, R.N. Many junks were reported sunk or missing. The total number of drowned and missing- being 532, of whom 5 are Europeans and one a Japanese. The Secretary of the H.K. & K. Godown Company has written to tender thanks for the services rendered by Inspector Langley and the Water Police.

The crew of the H.M.S. Astræa's Cutter gallantly rescued six Chinese and were assisted ashore by two Officers of the Middlesex Regiment and a Civilian. The Police in the Eastern District did good work under Inspector Fenton. Sergeants Clarke and Devney and P. C. Ogg received some injuries and P. C. Pepperell, in charge of a launch, is suffering from Bronchitis in consequence of the inclement weather. Sergeant Boole, in charge of No. 1 Launch, fell overboard in the Naval Yard Camber owing to the launch heeling over from the impact of another launch, and was pulled up by Seaman 165 Larn Kun Hoi, just in time to avoid being crushed by a launch; this seaman deserves. recognition for his prompt action. The Police had the misfortune to lose their Club matshed, which was completely wrecked.

F. W. LYONS, Captain Superintendent of Police.

Enclosure 5.

REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT, BOTANCIAL AND FORESTRY

DEPARTMENT.

SIR,I have the honour to make the following preliminary report on the damage done by the typhoon of 27th-28th instant to Government property under my charge.

Buildings.

Superintendent's quarters and quarters at So Kun Po Nursery slightly damaged. Matsheds at West End Park, Kang Hau, Nga Iu Tau, Kun Tong and Colonial Cemetery blown down. Plant houses in Gardens: roofs off Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4. End of one hot house blown in, roof of others damaged. Plant houses at Cemetery much damaged.