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4

Defence Lights.

15. The Local Committee are unable to concur entirely in the proposals of the Colonial Defence Committee for electric lights, as they consider them inadequate.

They now submit the following proposals as a compromise between those of their original Report of April 1894 and those of the Colonial Defence Committee.

Lyemun. Two fixed beams, each of about 40° divergence, at east end of pass, and one beam, capable of searching, to assist in the examination of vessels outside Lyemun. This is as proposed by the Colonial Defence Committee.

Belcher's. While agreeing with the position of the two lights at the salient angle of the Praya (viz., one fixed beam of 30° divergence to bear on the Friendly Channel and Nos. 2 and 3 mine-fields, and one beam capable of searching and assisting in the examination of vessels), the Local Committee consider that the present light at the south-west corner of the mine-field should remain, but should be fitted with a dispersing lens of 15°.

The channel being so wide and so important, it seems only wise to have this additional light in case of accidents to the advanced lights.

Stonecutter's.—As regards the lights on the south side of Stonecutter's Island, the Local Committee consider that a fixed beam of 15° divergence at the position of the present electric light, and directed backwards upon the mine-field, is preferable to that proposed by the Colonial Defence Committee on the most southerly point of the island, as it will be nearer to the position at Stone- cutter's West of the officer in charge of the submarine mining defence, and will therefore be better controlled by him, while the engines can be placed at the site of the present engine-house, which is a very favourable one.

In addition to this fixed beam, the Local Committee recommend that a search-light be fixed near the westernmost point of the island, with the object of thoroughly searching the water between Chung Hue and Green Island, for it has been clearly proved by experience that with the present position of the South Shore light a vessel keeping to the west of Green Island and Kellett's Bank till well under Chung Hue can then alter her course and approach Stone- cutter's Island in a portion of water not lighted by the Stonecutter's beam, and too distant from Belcher's to be discovered by the Belcher's light, which is probably occupied in observing vessels nearer to Belcher's.

As regards the channel to the north of Stonecutter's, the Local Committee, while arguing strongly for the retention of No. 1 mine-field in its present position, consider the mine-field will be of no use unless lighted, and therefore propose a dispersing beam of 30° on the north side of Stonecutter's Island.

The want of this light on the North Shore has been so strongly felt that at present arrangements are actually made to bring light on No. 1 mine-field by running a quarter-power light from the same dynamo that provides light for the South Shore, although the illumination thus obtained is manifestly insufficient.

A schedule of the electric lights now proposed, and drawings showing approximately the bearings of the fixed beams, are appended.

A. H. THOMAS,

(Signed)

W. BLACK, Major-General, President. G. T. H. BOYCE, Commodore, Royal

Navy.

A. E. WROTTESLEY, Major, Royal

Engineers.

T. L. BARNARDISTON, Lieutenant,

Royal Navy.

Captain, D.A.A.G., Secretary.

Qu

B

*000

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