72
and in/
accordance with their requirements from time to time, which incidentally means an economical outlay for those interested. In consequence, therefore, of what we write, we fear that, inregard to this first test, we must rule the point out, as the results at that time did not give the satisfaction which we also had hoped for, and certainly were not such as would justify the local Authorities going in for any Cold Emulsion.
(2)
After the lapse of a certain time, a test was carried out on the Shex-0 Road, particulars of which you will no doubt be able to obtain from the P.W.D. Officials, but, in short, we must emphasize strongly that in this particular instance, as well as in subsequent cases, we had grounds for considerable dis-satisfaction. In the first place, our Manager, Mr. Fleming, proceeded to the Shex-0 Road at a time which was previously arranged with one of the Officials, and on his arrival there was no one on the spot to superintend the coolies, and the proper sand for blinding and also the necessary hard brooms for sweeping, were conspicuous by their absence. Furthermore, it is to be recognized that, before applying any Cold Emulsion, the road must be swept thoroughly clean, so that the metal should be shown up well in relief. This is a very important point, but these instructions were absolutely ignored, with the result that the test was carried out under disadvantageous conditions. We might here mention that the test referred to was not at the original time fixed, but on the following day, when, after a somewhat considerable amount of investigations and telephonic arrangements, one of the 2.W.D. Ufficiāls was induced to turn up as arranged. This test, however, even in spite of the adverse conditions, was quite satisfactory, but it was most evident that nothing further was done in the matter with the 2.W.D. and, as had been our experience in several other dealings with them, the entire question was shelved.
(3)
Subsequent to the Shex-0 Road test, there was one made at Kowloon, which, according to the opinion of the P.W.D. Authorities, was quite unsatisfactory, but in this particular case it was not done under the direct supervision of our representative, but was carried out by the P.W.D. Overseers, with possibly the attendance of one of the European Office Staff. This piece of ground, however, was inspected by us subsequently, and we could come to no other conclusion than that, as in the case of the Shek-0 test, the facilities required were not given the necessary attention and, in consequence, it could not be expected that Colfix would show up in the most advantageous light.
(4)
The fourth test was carried out on Comaught Road, and we must certainly admit that this was not satisfactory. Here again, there was a reasonable explanation for it, namely, the materials were not on hand and, in consequence, the road was not thoroughly brushed and cleaned as is necessary. Another point which we desire to record here is that, on Commaught Hoad, which carries practically the heaviest traffic in the whole of the Colony, we utilised 3pray, which is the lighter of the two materials of our manufacture, and which actually should not have been used, as the Grout which we manufacture is specially intended for the heavier type of road. You may argue that we ought to have supplied the Grout in the first place, but being somewhat in ignorance of the actual condition of the road on which the test was to be made, we arranged for Spray to be on hand. This particular case, however, is, we think, amply demonstrative of the entire lack of spontaneous support which the 2.7.D. Officials