Hongkong, 27th June 1892
Sir!
We understand that Kerosine Oil Tanks are about to be erected at a point on the waterside near the Cosmopolitan Docks (Sam Lui Toh) into which kerosene in bulk from tank steamers is to be discharged, and the oil distributed from there to consumers.
In the event of the oil taking fire in these tanks or on board the steamer lying alongside them, and of it running while afloat into the sea, it is almost certain to be carried along the shore. During an ebb tide, the Naval yard and the Kowloon docks, and certain other places on the side, the flames would be carried either past the front of the Cosmopolitan Docks or among the shipping in the harbour. At all these places, there are valuable ships or goods in which most of us are at various times largely interested, and the destruction to property would probably be very great.
There is also much danger of explosion, especially on board the steamers while discharging the oil during the summer months when the heat of the sun is intense and would raise the temperature of iron plates exposed to its rays to a perilous degree.
Disasters have been reported at Barcelona and Bristol from blazing oil spreading over the surface of the water and destroying shipping and other property, and an explosion of a...