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strain on the store departments handicapped further by the loss of their experienced labour. Added to which typhoon warnings and incessant deluges of rain have greatly impeded work.
With the assistance of large working parties from ship however, "HUTHINIA" is being completed and it is hoped to be able to sail her on Monday, 20th July, with stores and provisions for
all ships.
6.
The absence of coaling coolies was severely felt at first, but eventually the more hungry were prepared to work, but these unfortunately were inexperienced and progress was slow.
7. The presence of a large draft in "TAMAF" awaiting passaga home was most useful and at certain stages it would not have been possible to meet the demand for flest assistance without
these men.
8. Applications from civil authorities for haval assistance for essential services have been small, the Star Ferries as reported in my submission No. 271/053 of 5th July, 1925, being the only service actually taken over, and these have now been
relieved.
At the moment only two marines are employed on non Faval services and these two are employed as butchers at the Dairy Farm, Hongkong, whence all meat for the Navy is obtained.
9. In addition to personnel required for Dookyard services it was found that the Chinese orew in the Armed Launches employed
on the West River in most cases deported, and the complements of these mall oraft were completed with Naval ratings.
These mall craft have performed most useful service on the river and at West River ports, Kongsun and Shamshui, protecting foreimers, md have also carried out anti-piracy patrols with conspicuous success as reported in my submission No. 266/2, dated 30th June, 1925. This action has done much to restore confidence on the river, which the necessary withdrawal of the Gunboats to
Canton..