Bill- but they must have been special, for it is apparently the only instance, where a clause of this character has been added to the B.T. other rules. The rules stand certainly afford ample and reasonable protection to such underground structures as gas and water mains.
Be metallic returns. There are two ways of securing a full metallic circuit. One way is by the double trolley system which is discussed in letter of 22nd June. The other way is by building a conduit tramway. The cost of a conduit tramway makes its construction possible only in the largest cities where there is absolute certainty of a very large and constant traffic at fares of not less than 5 cents gold.
The cost of the road bed would be $150,000 a mile of single track, exclusive of equipment, power station, providing for drainage etc.
During the rainy season the road would be subject to numerous and long delays due to the flooding of the conduit- which in the peculiar conformation of Hongkong could not possibly be prevented. These delays would come just at the times when the tramway would be most needed and even if the cost were not prohibited it would not give nearly as satisfactory service to the public as the trolley tramway.
Yours faithfully, (Sd) H. A. Belden.