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The Sham Cheng supply, leased to Mr. Ruttonjee, which he has placed at our dis- posal, has also been examined, and arrangements are in train for the transport of this water to Hong Kong. It is hoped that million gallons of water per day will be avail- able from this source within one week.
The quantities transported from these sources will be gradually increased as more waterboats and lighters become available.
In addition to the supplies from the New Territories water is being transported from Wanginoon, from which an unlimited supply is available.
Many proposals have been investigated.
The first Shipping Company to make a spontaneous offer to transport supplies was the Douglas Company, and the first delivery (300 tons) from Foochow was made on the 10th June direct from one of their steamers to the tank near the Company's wharf.
week.
This Shipping Company has arranged for a regular supply of 500 to 600 tons a
On the 1st June, Mr. Carpenter interviewed Mr. Sutherland of the Indo-China Co., Mr Johnson of the P. & O., Captain Hollands of the C.P.R., and Mr. Blackwall of the Blue Funnel Line as to the feasibility and practicability of their regular steamers, passing through Hong Kong in both directions, bringing any water which they may be able to carry. This question is now being further considered by the Committee.
In the meantime many offers from other Steamship Companies have been receiv- ed and accepted direct.
The use of tankers and lighters for the transport of water has received considera- tion, and the Committee are now arriving at a decision as to the number of each which will be required.
Numbers of Waterboats and lighters have already been chartered for the transport of water from the New Territories and elsewhere.
The question of obtaining lighters under the Emergency Regulations has not been overlooked, and the Law Officers of the Crown have drafted the necessary regulation giv- ing power to requisition.
Arrangements have been made with the Naval Authorities to obtain supplies of water from the Canton Delta, and they have placed at Government's disposal H.M.S. "Cherub", to bring water from Wangmoon. The first consignment arrived at 10 p.m. on the 8th June. A naval lighter has also been placed at our disposal for storage pur-
poses.
The question of transporting water by the Kowloon-Canton Railway has been con- sidered, and the Manager of the Railway has been instructed to make 20 trucks suitable for this purpose. The various places along the Railway from which water can be obtain- ed are being investigated.
Information is being obtained through the Police Patrol boats as to any suitable stream courses on Lantao and the surrounding islands.
Cables have been sent to all surrounding ports asking what facilities they have for the export of water. Replies have been received and are under consideration.
The possibility of utilizing the China Sugar Refinery supply was considered, and stand pipes are being erected In this connection Messrs. Jardine Matheson & Co. as usual rendered every assistance.
The offer from the Naval Authorities of the Dry Dock for storage was considered, but it was found that the considerable amount of seepage which takes place would con- taminate and render unfit for consumption any water so stored. This storage could,