Morning. This idea is carried out in Paris & other large cities and with the splendid gravitation there's is in Hong Kong - if provision were made for supplying the sea water, in my opinion the scourge will in a few years disappear. Much has been said against the new small drainage scheme now adopting, but it will, I think, be apparent to you, Sir, that if the drains are not well flushed they become a source of disease as well as the open drains openly lying. The supply of Fresh water is not sufficient to meet this requirement, as you are aware - Refusing to introduce the sea water to discharge the city.
Concurrent action is forthwith necessary to prevent the re-occurrence of the plague next year. Pending the building of the sea water Cleansing works, I respectfully suggest half a dozen portable steam pumps with necessary fire Engines be sent out at once - would entail at small expense - test the practicability of building the sea water works & judge of the feeling of the inhabitants and be welcomed as a boom & what is thought the correct thing.
If you wish, I should be pleased to call at your office & point out these old storm drains on any plans you may have of the city.
I am residing mostly in the country but shall be in London from the 26th to the 31st August. I know departmental delays & could arrange for an interview that week.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
W. Peel
DRAFT.
To the Right Honourable Joseph Chamberlain M.P.
Mr. Gould to Mr. Chamberlain 12 Aug 1899
CPF 27235-27727
Hong Kong 615
fr. Sin
15 Aug
replied by Mr. Chamberlain to thank you for your interesting letter of 8th instant, and the enclosures relating to the outbreak of the bubonic plague in Hong Kong.
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