CO129-316 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [1-4] — Page 638

)

624

Whampoa Company have at present rive Dry Docks besides three

Slips. In one of these Docks His Majesty's Ship Powerful"

has been docked. The Company is prepared if the Naval Authori-

ties desire it to construct another Dock capable of accommoda-

ting the largest vessel afloat. They are prepared to supply

the Dock with the latest improvements in machinery and to

lay down a plant capable of dealing with any repairs that

could be required for His Majesty's Ships and to give to the

Naval Authorities perpetual right of priority. Messrs. Eutter-

field and Swire are also at present constructing a Dock of

the largest size. I venture to say that with such docking

facilities existing and prospective the repairs of His Majesty's

Ships would be executed in an entirely satisfactory manner

and at a very substantial saving to the Imperial Government.

The Dock Company have a thoroughly efficient staff with the

best appliances and there is constant work, while a Naval

Dockyard must have an expensive establishment always at full

strength while it is improbable that the work required for

the fleet on the China Station will keep the Dock fully

occupied all the year round. The Annual Expenditure involved

is very considerable and I would urge upon the Lords Commis-

sioners of the Admiralty the advisability of sending out a

Commission to inquire on the spot into the important questions

involved. There is in Hongkong capital and enterprise suffi-

cient to carry out any scheme of Docks that His Majesty's

Government may decide to be necessary.

I have the honour to be, Sir,

Your most obedient Humble servant,

Hung Amat

Governor, &c...

myd)