20796
542
14 SEP OG
No. 206
Government House,
HongKong,
31st
July, 1899.
sir,
I have the honour to report that contracts have been
entered into locally for the construction: of three. steam laun-
ches 120 feet, 83 feet, and 75 feet in length respectively to
provide for the requirements of the New Territory.
2. The larger vessel is required in connection with
the transport service and the smaller. launches for Police patrol
work in the extended waters of the Colony.
3. It was considered advisable to put these launches
in hand at once, as the Government has to charter 3 inferior
vessels at a monthly cost of $1,400 exclusive of the wages of the
crews pending their completion.. I. am satisfied that they are
indispensable and have, therefore, to request your authority to
inour an expenditure of $91,100 being the contract price for the
The Right Honourable
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M. P.
&c.
&0.
three