186 NEW HARBOUR. [1846. 



1829, turned towards the occupation of Pulo Brani* or 

 Gage Island, as a naval or coal depot, and as my opinion 

 was, on this occasion, invited, I shall here insert it. 



With regard to New Harbour, and the proposed site 

 for a coal depot on Pulo Brani (or Gage Island) I would 

 most strenuously advise, under any circumstances, peace 

 or war, adopting that position for coaling both the naval 

 as well as packet service. I look beyond the mere posi- 

 tion and facilities for coaling. I view it as a stride, not 

 only to the opening, but also to the free navigation, of 

 that channel, and, ultimately, to \heprobable formation of 

 a new town and port for Singapore. In the event of dis- 

 tress, this position affords refuge; secure facilities for 

 grounding, or repairing defects, in many cases, without 

 lightening, either to naval or merchant shipping. 



In order to secure this, it will be necessary to form a 

 large area of level ground, for the purpose of landing 

 stores, housing crews, &c. Should any serious accident 

 occur to any of our larger ships, in no other position 

 could she be accommodated, and what is also very im- 

 portant, no other site could be selected so well adapted 

 to ensure the preservation of discipline, if compelled to 

 land the crew. 



Upon a cursory examination of the chart of this chan- 

 nel (constructed by Mr. Thompson, in 1842) I observe, 

 " that a safe and short channel would be available by 

 night or day, provided a light is established on the hill 

 above 'the Malay village'. That leading mark, seen 

 clear of the point of Blakan Mati, would bring a steamer, 

 from the fairway fork (to either channel) into New Har- 

 bour, by a direct course of twelve miles." 

 * Literally Loadstone Island. 



