530
DOMESTIC.
1 2buttresses descending abruptly from a main range to the Taiping. The country entirely clad with dense virgin forest. The difficulties were creditably surmounted by the Assistant Engineer in charge. At 10 miles (Nam-sa torrent) the country opens out into large rolling foot-hills, where work was easy, and at 14 miles the open plain of Taiping is reached. The road then passes above the village of Man-hsien and stops at the hamlet of Man-yim. From this to Lung Chang market (the third stage on the present Bhamo trade route, counting from Teng-yueh) is 12½ miles alignment and on a dead level, and with no streams absolutely requiring bridges for mule traffic; but to make a first-class mule road over these 12½ miles will cost a good deal more than was expected, owing to the presence of several large marshes, supplied by mountain streams, and through these stone causeways would have to be constructed. But an earthen "fair weather" road, which would be available for clear months of the year, with irrigation channels and ramps to and from the small streams I have not yet traversed, could probably be made for under 20,000 rupees.
accounts of the sums expended this season, but I believe that the total, inclusive of bridges and dynamite will come to 45,000 rupees to which 10,000 rupees will have to be added for the iron bridge over the Nam-sa. Considering the difficult nature of the country, I believe that this is 15 to 20 per cent. cheaper than the usual Bhamo rate. As it is unlikely that further Chinese funds will be available, it is earnestly to be hoped that the Government of Burmah will agree to continue the work at its own expense up to Teng-yueh, future repairs to be seen to by the Customs Taotai, the Commissioner, and the Consul. Next to the removal of the disastrous prohibition against the transit of opium, a good mule road is the first requisite for the revival of our long neglected frontier trade. Even if it is decided to undertake railway construction in the Taiping Valley, some time must elapse before such a decision can be fruitful, and even when work is commenced, a good service road will be a necessity.
In conclusion, I would draw attention to the excellent service rendered by Mr. A. W. Mukerjee, Assistant Engineer in the Burmah Public Works Department in connection with this road. Owing to his experience of frontier road-making he was put in sole charge, and very wisely given wide discretion. The result is that in three months he has put through a work that has been talked about for three years. His tact and energy were of great value. He had to deal with suspicious Chinese officials, lazy Shan headmen, and ignorant Kachins, but there has been no single instance of serious trouble or misunderstanding. At one time nearly 3,000 men were working on the road, which has been made chiefly by contract piece labour. The good impression made by Mr. Mukerjee on all natives with whom he came in contact will render any future operations by the Burmah Public Works Department in China much easier, and there is every reason to hope that an abundant supply of labour will be forthcoming. I would venture to suggest that the attention of the Government of India may be drawn to the exceptionally good services rendered, under difficult circumstances, by Mr. Mukerjee, so that, if he is available, he may be intrusted with any further work that may be undertaken in the Taiping Valley.
I have, &c. (Signed) G. LITTON
for Individual.
reeper
904 Sep.
previous Paper.
3540
3936
Annevale
HONG KONG
No. 33841
84
(Subject.)
C O
33841
P 30 SEP 04
Sale of Stores
copy of letter from Customs
to satisfy
that it is
(Minutes.)
intended for
Telegraph
offort in cipher
It is stated
5.45 pm
39267719.
sent in cipher
subsequent Paper.
PIZ DE
700
S.S. Canton
to following
London,
understood to be now at
Hongkong is
to be sold and there
has been sold to Russian
That some has been sold
Satisfy yourself that
Home
not intended
for
the
military
or naval
service of Russia or Japan
530
DOMESTIC.
|
1
2
buttresses descending abruptly from a main range to the Taiping. The country entirely clad with dense virgin forest. The difficulties were creditably surmounted by the Assistant Engineer in charge. At 10 miles (Nam-sa torrent) the country opens of into large rolling foot-bills, where work was easy, and at 14 miles the open plain the Taiping is reached. The road then passes above the village of Man-hsien and stops at the hamlet of Man-yim. From this to Lung Chang market (the third m stage on the present Bbamo trade route, counting from Teng-yueh) is 124 miles alignment and on a dead level, and with no streams absolutely requiring bridges f mule traffic; but to make a first-class mule road over these 124 miles will cost a good deal more than was expected, owing to the presence of several large marshes, supplist by mountain streams, and through these stone causeways would have to be con structed. But an earthern "fair weather" road, which would be available for cleri months of the year, with irrigation channels and ramps to and from the small streams I have not yet the traversed, could probably be made for under 20,000 rupees. accounts of the sums expended this season, but I believe that the total, inclusive of bridges and dynamite will come to 45,000 rupees to which 10,000 rupees will have to be added for the iron bridge over the Nam-sa. Considering the difficult nature of the country, I believe that this is 15 to 20 per cent. cheaper than the usual Bhamo rate. As it is unlikely that further Chinese funds will be available, it is earnestly to le hoped that the Government of Burmah will agree to continue the work at its or expense up to Teng-yueh, future repairs to be seen to by the Customs Taotai, the Commissioner, and the Consul, Next to the removal of the disastrous prohibition against the transit of opium, a good mule road is the first requisite for the revival d our long neglected frontier trade. Even if it is decided to undertake railway ca struction in the Taiping Valley, some time must elapse before such a decision can be fruit, and even when work is commenced, a good service road will be a necessity.
In conclusion, I would draw attention to the excellent service rendered Mr. A. W. Mukerjee, Assistant Engineer in the Burmah Public Works Department in connection with this road. Owing to his experience of frontier road-making! was put in sole charge, and very wisely given wide discretion. The result is that three months he has put through a work that has been talked about for three yeas His tact and energy were of great value. He had to deal with suspicions Chites officials, lazy Shan headmen, and ignorant Kachins, but there has been no sing instance of serious trouble or misunderstanding. At one time nearly 3,000 men wen working on the road, which has been made chiefly by contract piece labour. Th good impression made by Mr. Mukerjee on all natives with whom he came in conte will render any future operations by the Burmah Public Works Department in Ch much easier, and there is every reason to hope that an abundant supply of labour f be forthcoming. I would venture to suggest that the attention of the Government & India may be drawn to the exceptionally good services rendered, under difficult cireus stances, by Mr. Mukerjee, so that, if he is available, he may be intrusted with any furthe work that may be undertaken in the Taiping Valley.
I have, &c. (Signed) G. LITTON
for Individual.
reeper
904 Sep.
previous Paper.
3540
3936
Annevale
HONG KONG
No. 3 3 8 4 1
84
(Subject.)
C O
33841
P 30 SEP 04
· Sale of St (auton
cof letter from Customs
the arself be
he Cotting
า
as ti
!
to satisfy
Coe the the be wata
that it is
(Minutes.)
intended for nee
Telegraph
offort in cuppher
It is stated Wat
5.45 m
39267719.
sent in upther
absequent Paper.
PIZ DE
700
S.S. Canton
to following
London,
understood to so now al
Hongking is
to be sold and there
aland been sold to Russian
That some has aband
mous ther d.
Satisfy yourself that
Home she
not intended
-for
the
militan
or haral
Iservice of Russia or Japan
pittin
the
meaning
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