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bunkering harbour in the East, and the necessity of
reducing charges to promote this trade and supply the
33
demand of local industries. They point out that by obtain-
-ing a deep-sea wharf the delay and lighterage fees
incident to the use of colliers would be avoided, as well
as loss by coal falling into the sea and by theft.
11.
I am not aware of the principles
which have guided His Majesty's Government in the question
of facilities to be granted to foreign firms for storing
coal in British Ports, and I have therefore considered it
advisable to inform you of the present negotiations. It is
of course manifest that in a great port like Hongkong,
every facility must necessarily be given for the mainte-
-nance of a large and cheap supply of bunker coal for
Merchant vessels, and the coast-wise trade by launches *.,
as well as for the needs of the extensive industries of the
Colony
Cement Works, Sugar Refineries,
&c. which con-
-sume large quantities of fuel.
The Japanese coal stored by the
Mitsui Bussan Kaisha is universally used in the harbour
and Colony for commercial and domestic purposes, and it is
not I believe suited for use by Men-of-war, though I am
unable to say how far it might be used for Maval purposes in
sudden