CO129-328 - Governor Nathan - 1905 [1-6] — Page 767

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in writing, which practice, leaving errors in transcription out of account, involves only loss of time. Here, had we direct communica- -tion, the method would be ideal.

(c).

The Signal Stations at the Peak and Cape D'Aguilar are connected by telephone,over the Government syster, directly with the Telegraph Office, and can there be connected with the Office.

(a)

Wagian is connected by Telephone, (Government Submarine Cable) with Cape D'Aguilar, thence connection is made with the Telegraph Office, and thence, again, with this office.

(e). The Signal Station at Blackhead Hill is connected by Telephone directly with the Water Folice Station at Tsim Sha Tsui. Thence it can be connected with the Central Police Station by the Government system, and thence, again, with this Office. There is an alternative route in this case, which is that commonly in use. The Signal Station is connected directly with the Kowloon Office of the Hongkong and Kowloon Wharf and Godown Company, over a Government Telephone Line. Thence the message is transmitted to this Office over the Public Telephone System.

(E).

The Government Gunpowder Depot at Stonecut- -ter's island is connected by Telephone with the mainland through a kilitary Cable (one core of a multiple cable being lent us for the purpose), thence ou Government posts to the Water Folice Station, and thence connection can be made with the Central Folice Station, and thence again with this Office.

4.

It seems to me that a system which depends

apon the co-operation of private firms with the Government has no

Justification unless

(1). efficiency.

Economy is combined with equal or greater

(2). A slight loss in efficiency is compensated for by the saving of such a sum as the Government could afford for the purpose. Ur

(3). The purpose which the system is designed to serve is considered to be of so small importance that a loss in efficiency is more than counterbalanced by the smallest amount of economy.

5.

As to (1) and (2), the additional sum is

smail, when the great gain in efficiency is considered. As to (3)

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