CO882-(8-9) — Page 49

PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE

Reference:

། ། ། ། །

C.O. 882

8 PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON

ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-

COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO)

32

(1) As to a purchase at auction under present conditions, having regard to the fact that Tanjong Pagar hold a partial monopoly; that the machine would go on doing the same work, and would only depreciate in value from, so to say, its natural age.

(2) As to its value if depreciated by reason of opposition and competition. (3) The value to a hypothetical tenant.

Has done much the same with regard to the stock at both places.

Has prepared exact plans of all properties as necessary with regard to his department of the case, such plans identifying the position of each machine by number or reference to the schedules.

Is preparing a criticism of the Company's charges from the trade point of view, tending to show how very unlikely it would be that the Company would have much longer escaped opposition and competition.

This gentleman is proceeding home by the next mail, and will take with him his results, to consult with the expert machinery valuer who has been there retained. He also has been in the case from the beginning, and is particularly qualified to speak generally as to its whole aspect, and there is no doubt that the information he will be able to give will be extremely valuable, as it has already been found here. A copy of his report is laid herewith (Appendix Q.).

2. Mr. H. Muir, Government Marine Surveyor, Penang, will speak as above to

the machinery and stock at Prye River Dock.

3. Mr. H. L. Coghlan above mentioned will also be prepared to speak as to evidence of values.

Also have been retained as local experts ready to speak as to the value of plant:-

4. Mr. J. J. MacBean, Managing Director of Howarth Erskine, Limited, with many years' local experience.

6. Mr. W. E. Finnie, A.M.I.M.E., Acting General Manager of the same Company.

6. Mr. D. R. Cowan, General Manager of Hogan and Company, Limited. As to the facilities (or otherwise) of the Company's business, obsolete nature of machinery, delay, oppressive charges, &c. :-

Complain- ing

1. Mr. A. Kitching, Superintendent Engineer of the Ocean Steamship Com- Experts. pany, who is preparing a written report.

2. Mr. D. D. Mackie, Junior, Superintendent Engineer of Wee Bin and Com-

pany, a large local ship-owning firm.

3. Mr. Van Riegen, Superintendent Engineer of the Nord-Deutsche Lloyd.

SHIP-OWNERS WHO COMPLAIN OF THE WANT OF FACILITIES And the CompANY'S

EXTORTIONATE Charge8.

1. Mr. Ong Koon Choo, Manager of Wee Bin and Company, who own a fleet Complain-

of 17-20 steamers.

2. Mr. Tan Soon Kes, another local ship-owner.

This part of the case has hardly yet been started, but it will shortly be worked up, and there will be no difficulty in getting evidence from Penang, for instance, where the charges at Prye Dock have been particularly oppressive.

As to both ports, all the European shipping firms are, it is feared, too much concerned in the Company or its interests to be willing to render any material assistance.

POSSIBILITIES OF RE-INVESTMENT.

ing Ship-

owners.

Much yet remains to be done under this head, and guidance as to the particular Re-invest- directions of inquiry would be particularly welcomed. At present :-

ment.

4.