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to take place after the war. This fact leds me to inquire if priority can be given now to our new Kowloon Exchange immediately the war terminates in victory. Negotiations with the government to this end might be arranged now.
The bringing into operation of our telephone system in its entirety may not be possible if the Hong Kong Electric is put out of action in the meantime. We have an oil engine, running on light oil, which is capable of running the two main charging machines but even during the war, we were short of light oil, so I doubt if we shall be able to use the engine immediately. If the batteries are incapable of being utilized on the exchange, but the Hong Kong Electric is working, I shall run the exchange direct off the machines. The Docks and Naval Yard at Hong Kong have their own supply.
Finally, may I state the following regarding the future of Hong Kong? No prophesy has in the past been sufficiebtly optimistic concerning the Colony. Hong Kong is and will remain the main artery of commerce for South China and is the natural outlet for her own produce. You cannot change the strategical situation of the place and progressive changes attributive to an age cannot affect its natural geographical position. Hong Kong will continue to expand after the war.
Before I end this report by listing tools and materials required, I would like to place on record my appreciation for the courtesy extended to me by Mr. J.P. Reeves, British Consul in Macau, who has kindly permitted this report to pass through him and facilitated its despatch.
MATERIALS THAT WILL BE REQUIRED URGENTLY.
(Duplicate previous orders covering two
Jumper Wire for M.D.F.
years).
Rubber Covered Wire (for Internal & External use)
Ditto.
Solder
(all descriptions)
Ditto.
Platinum Wire & P,G,S, Wire (For making relay contacts) (Repeat
previous (order.
No. required.
Description.
30.
Electric Soldering Irons Small.
(suitable for
exchange work.
30.
Pliers
side cutting (for stripping jumper wire)
50.
Pliers
30.
30.
30.
30.
20.
40.
pendulum (Pointed for wiring)
Tension Guages required for adjustment of springsets
on relays.
Strip of xylonite (guide for introducing Siemens type
armatures under spring piles.
Spanners (for adjustent of residual screw locking
(nuts of Siemens relay.
Screwdrivers
of normal pattern necessary for holding screws of the spring assemblies as well as for the residual screw of relays. Bent duckbill pliers, bent at an angle to facilitate
access to springs on relays which are mounted close together (useful in an emergency.) A.T.M. Co.,
Spring bender Siemens type relay. Claw shaped, and grips both sides of the spring at once (Tool double ended) Can be used for
adjusting springs in the reverse direction
30/
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