But several favourable reports have been received, and it appears that the cement is of good quality. I therefore propose very shortly to inspect the work and obtain samples to be transmitted to the Crown Agents for testing. Should the cement turn out well, the Company will probably be able to supply it at a considerably lower price than that of English Cement, of which the freight nearly doubles the cost at home.
14. It is, I think, sufficiently apparent that if the Praya works are to be carried out according to improved English methods, and with English Contractors, the Chinese are not only absolutely incapable of changing their