Copy.
Jak boiler
21444
Race
R. 2000 93
I have no hesitation in expressing my opinion that the "waterflow sides" which the Government of Hong Kong desire to associate with the water top are quite unnecessary. I have never seen any such arrangement, either in America or on the Continent, and I am given to understand no such arrangement exists at Batoum. I do not overlook the possible loss from evaporation in hot weather, but this is a loss to the owner of the tank, and does not, that I can see, aggravate risk. The expense would be, I imagine, very considerable; and the liability to the arrangement getting out of order is not an inappreciable element of objection. As Messrs Samuel profess their readiness to adopt the water tops, provided they are relieved of the obligation of erecting independent roofs, I am of opinion that this suggestion may be properly acceded to, and the condition of arranging for waterflow sides dispensed with.
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I will take this opportunity of saying that I am of opinion that in such a climate as Hong Kong, the best mode of bulk storage would be in underground tanks, or in "half-sunken tanks", the earth obtained from the excavation being disposed over the tank, the body and top of the tank making it in effect an independent tank. The surrounding embankments would be then dispensed with; the protection against the sun's rays would be complete and effective; there would be no need for independent roofs or water tops; and there would be no roof or other enforced structure to be swept away by a typhoon; and all possibility of outflow would be, I think, removed. I want the Government of Hong Kong might fitly not only accept such an arrangement as an alternative method of storage, but that they would be acting wisely in specially favouring it. A copy of this should go to Colonial Office.
V.D.M.
18/12/93.
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