Lab Enclosure No:16:
From Messrs Showan Tomeu & Co.,
To The Hon. Director of Public Works.,
Hongkong, 24th July, 1901.
Hon. T. Chatham,
Actg. Director of Public Works.,
Sir,
Present.
Replying to your favour of July 19th we would submit the following:
Re Protection of the Government Naval & Military Telephone Lines.
The Tramway Company cannot accept any liability for disturbing effects to these telephone lines that may arise out of the working of the Tramways beyond the provisions of the rules of the Board of Trade as set forth in Schedule "A" of the Tramway Ordinance. It is a well-established principle that a tramway has as good a right to use the earth as a return as the telephone lines, and it is very unusual to place upon the tramway any expense made necessary to adjust the telephone systems to the new conditions that may be brought about by the introduction of tramway lines. This is the position taken by the Company in regard to all telephone lines whether public or private.
Re Protection to Water Mains & Pipes: The Company considers that the rules of the Board of Trade furnish ample and reasonable protection to these mains and pipes. These rules were framed especially for the protection of such underground structures. They are extremely rigid & there are no unfavourable circumstances existent in Hongkong that would make any further liability placed upon the Tramway Company just or reasonable.
Re Branch to the Naval Yard. The Tramway Company cannot see its way clear