CO537-(36-37) — Page 54

Cleachman.

1912.

Dr Clarke card

932

raised by the Secretary in connection with the expenditure of the Department. Now, as I have told you

as much as that, cant you recall in any way?

A.

I cant recall how it originated. I cant even remember who supplied it. Can you tell me that ?

15748

Q.

A.

It was supplied by Watkins. The evidence we have had 15-148 given to us is that Watkins are the agents for carbolos- ene. It appears that some question was raised about it, and a letter was sent home to the Grow Agent, and the result of that was that the manufacturerof Carbolosone in England wrote out to their agents here that the Hongkong Government was enquiring about it, and it must be supplied through you". In consequence of that, Watkino wrote to the Government, and the Government purchased in 1901 2,500 dollars worth of Carbolosene. In 1902, they purchased nearly 19,000 dollars worth. The stuff was then used, and had been used roughly for a year or so, when the question of the increased cost came up. The question was then raised as to whether Carbolosene was equally as good as Jeyes Fluid, and the decision was that it was not and the use of Carbolosene was abandonad and a return was made to Jeyes Fluid. These are the popers. They are rather völuminous, and perhaps if you want to look at them, the best way would be to begin about here (indicating). It was only in April 1902, after the stuff had been purchased to a very great extent, that a memorandum was sent quotes: "I believe

J

this stuff has been found more suitable for existing

purposes thah Jeyes Fluid").

Cleansing purposes.

"Washing" it is. It is in your own handwriting, and Mr 15:349

Reid:

writes back, "Yes, it is very ruitable for

47

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference:-

C.O. 537

36

RECORD OFFICE. LONDON OUT PERMISSION OF THE PUBLIC

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