CO129-223 - Governor Sir Bowen Acting Governor Marsh & Others - 1885 [11-12] — Page 239

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other articles for

use with the Boring Machinery (see paragraphs 41,44 + 45 of Mr Price's report)._ I beg to state that with the exception, possibly, of Coal, there is very doubt that the Colonial Government would obtain articles

better

little

of quality and at a considerably lower cost by ordering them in this Country instead of prouring them on spot, as it is not likely that Song Thong

the

is an exception to the rule which experience has proved that if quality is taken into account Merchants are not able to export articles on anything like such favourable terms as we are able to secure for the Colonies owing to the magnitude

of

our business

and

and our terms of payment.

As regards Coal we observe (paragraph 41 of Mr. Price's report) that Japanese Coal is made use of and that the cost on the works is £2 a tow. - We have made inquiries. on the subject and fund that North Country Coal, with which Japanese Coal is probably enost Comparable, is not now often supplied to Hong Kong it's place having been laken by Australian Coal which can be laid down cheaper. We are informed however that North Country Coal could at the present time be laid down in Hong Kong

at about 33/- a lon and Welsh Steam Coal at about 34f- at ton, and having regard to the poor quality of the

Japanese