Page 267
60.492.
Government Hours,
598
3 JAN 2
29th November, 1901.
Sir,
30736
41509
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Despatch No. 293 of the 11th September last and your telegram of the 22nd instant, to the latter of which I replied by telegraph on the 25th instant.
2.
I now transmit for your consideration copy of a full report on the subject of the Regulations relating to Petroleum in Bulk, which has been drawn up by the Harbour Master, and which shows clearly the position of affairs from the point of view of the special conditions prevailing at Hongkong.
3.
In connection with this report I would invite your attention more especially to his observation that the only complaint which Messrs. Samuel and Company have, seems to be that the standard of 200° Fahrenheit is too high; and in the letter which forms an enclosure to your Despatch under acknowledgment they remark that they attach the greatest importance to having the test in Hongkong reduced to 150° Fahrenheit. After receiving the Harbour Master's minute I called for a report from the Government Analyst, with the view of meeting, if possible, the wishes of Messrs.
The Right Honourable
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,