4
74
September./
One of the arguments of the local authorities has been that, although Colfix may have proven satisfactory in other markets, particularly at Home, it is not suitable for a tropical country like Hongkong, but we do think that, even in the case of Macao, the views held by the local authorities in Hongkong must now be somewhat seriously challenged. While we are on the question of considering whether a Cold Emulsion is suitable for hot countries or not, it might be to our mutual advantage to keep well in front of us the fact that Colfix has been largely utilised in Saigon and also in the Malay States, from which latter place we secured the contract for the whole of 1929 from Pahang, Selangor and other smaller provinces. Furthermore, in the annual requirements of the Shanghai Municipality, they now provide for a specific quantity of Cold Emulsion in addition to the Hot Asphalt, and out of a total of 500 tons called for several weeks ago, we were able to secure an order for 150 tons of our material. It might also interest you to know that we have observed on many occasions tenders being called for by the P.W.D. in Bombay which provide for quite large quantities also of Cold Emulsions. Surely, therefore, if Cold Emulsions are so favourably considered by countries like the Malay States, Bombay, Shanghai and other places which we could name, it seems strange that the Road Authorities in Hongkong should so definitely assert that a Cold Emulsion is of no use whatsoever. It is not our desire to belittle the knowledge of the Road Authorities in Hongkong, as we would be the first to confess that the condition of the roads in this Colony is of a very high standard, but at the same time, they are not superior to others to the extent that the Authorities can so definitely say that a Cold Emulsion is of no use at all. We are anxious to have you convinced on this point as much as possible, and therefore also enclose herewith the following photographs,-
1.
Forres Road, Nairn, Scotland.
2.
Canaich Road, Beauly.
3.
Bridge-end Road, Bowmore, Scotland.
In each of these cases, you must readily admit that the road is in a beautiful condition and that it would be almost impossible for a more even and beautiful surface to be obtained by adhering to the old methods of a Hot asphalt. We purposely mention the word 'old', as we are strongly of the opinion, from the general advancement of business in Cold Emulsions, that the future holds wonderful prospects for the Cold Emulsion over the Hot Asphalt, and we dare to hope that, in time, the former will completely out-do the latter. In this connection, we also attach for your guidance an extract of various statements made by one of the eminent Road Authorities of the United States, who had recently visited Great Britain and the Continent. The remarks made by this party do, we think, Speak for themselves.
We do not think it possible for us now to comment further on the question of tests, but before leaving this matter there is one point which we most certainly wish to mention and that is, we think we are justified in stating that, right from the commencemeat of our overtures with the local Authorities, there has been an unjustifiable prejudice. When the matter was taken up first of all with Mr. Goldsmith and Mr. Pegg, they