61
6. In a telegram dated the 12th October, 1917, the Secretary of State for the Colonies referred at some length to the proposed appointment of Colonel Thomson, Shipping Adviser to the Indian Government, as Agent of the Shipping Controller in charge of all lines with head-quarters in the Far East, and he added:-
"Following scheme suggested as likely to secure most economical and advant- ageous use of tonnage available. All seagoing vessels except those already requisitioned belonging to shipping companies registered in India, Straits Settlements, and Hongkong would be requisitioned from fixed date. Thomson's control so far as concerus finance will extend to all such vessels except those registered in United Kingdom which are already under liner requisition scheme. Vessels will be left to owners to be run as if for them- selves but actually for Indian or Colonial Governments and Thomson's functions would be those of General Manager. Owners would credit full earnings and debit charges after allowances for rebates, commissions, etc., and would be paid hire at rates paid in respect of vessels on full requisition subject to adjustments necessary on account of charges payable by owners themselves. Balance of profit if any would be payable to Government of India or Colony. Owners would be reimbursed net cost of maintenance of organisation of officers and staff and would also be entitled to charge customary payment to agents. Do you see any objection to proposals? Despatch follows by mail and detailed scheme will be communicated in due course but you should not wait for despatch or scheme before replying." The Hongkong Government, with some hesitation and after further correspondence with regard to details, acquiesced in the proposals made.
7. In the meantime, owing to the constant withdrawals of British steamers from the China Coast, the local tonnage situation had become considerably more difficult. At the end of October, 1917, it was decided by the Shipping Controller to withdraw six further vessels, including the S.S. Burrumbeet, regarding which the Commodore wrote, under date the 3rd November, 1917 :-
"I suggest that in the event of Burrumbeet being requisitioned the Kailan Mining Administration should, if necessary, charter tonnage (to replace her) from vessels on the coast not suitable for Imperial work, but which are suitable for coal carrying".
The Vital Requirements Committee wrote on the same date:-
"In view of the necessity for further requisition for Imperial needs elsewhere we are of the opinion that the vessels named can be spared but we desire to qualify this opinion to the extent that as the Burrumbeet is engaged in coal transport connected, with the Colony it may be necessary to consider ways and means of replacing her if the coal shippers concerned can show the necessity for maintaining a ship in her place, in which case we suggest that assistance should be given in the provision of another vessel", and at a meeting of the Committee held on the 20th November, 1917, the follow- ing minute was recorded:---
♦
"In view of the importance of supplying the Colony with coal at reason- able rates it was agreed to recommend that the Wollowra, a boat unsuitable for Admiralty requirements, be requisitioned to
take the Burrumbeet's place.
On the 24th November, the Committee wrote :—
"The Committee is in agreement with the Government that it is essential in the interests of the Colony that coal at a reasonable price should be avail- able and it is suggested that the steamer Wollowra be requisitioned to take the place of the Burrumbeet, since the Wollowra is declared unsuit- able for Admiralty requirements and moreover is not included in the liner requisition scheme. As regards management of the vessel it appears suitable to place her in the hands of the Kailan Administration to run similarly to the Burrumbeet under guidance of the Admiralty Authorities." The Government wrote accordingly to the Commodore on the 28th November, 1917 :--- "I have the honour to request that you will be so good as to requisition on behalf of this Government the S.S. Followra, to take the place of the S.S. Burrumbeet.