The
Sofar, of course, all this is more theory and speculation. vital fact which enabled this theory to be tested was the discovery by Insp. Shaw of another consignment of washed film in steel drums, lying on a junk in the harbour.
(c)
Examination of another consi ment of washed film.
Origin
Pack
144 Aruna in Wing On Godown
80 drums on junk.
Firm of origin in U.S.A. identical, according to Police evidence,
Steel drums similar in type to those on the junk. Labels of course obliterated,
Second-hand steel drums in varying condition. Many had proprietary cooking fat labels; many were heavily rusted.
"Gertrude Maersk"
12 Aw. 47.
Ship + date of
arrival in Hong Kong.
Marks on top of
drums
"Grete Maorsk" 21 Sep. 47.
Mosbly obliterated.
One howevor is still
ODC. HONGKONG
nad:
readable;
7835
7849
560
550
55
55
505
500
three
examples)
7850
?
7775
*
540
55
485
(three examples)
These marks presumable indicate serial number, gross weight, batch number and nett weight. It is to be noted that the Wing On druns' serial number falls between those of the drums on the junk; in other words, it would seen that the two consignments consist of identical material.
Examination of this consignment, therefore, should yield val- uable information as to the 144 drums in the Wing On godown. We are thus enabled, as it wore, to examine the material as it was before the fire. This examination will be twofold, concerning itself, firstly, with the general properties of this washed film; and, secondly, with its stability, or, conversely, it liability to self-ignition.
91