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for a bridge near the South face of the tunnel, (15 feet arch).
The foundations for one wing wall are not in yet; as regards the
remainder, two rows of footings have been laid on one side and
one row on the other.
A number of structures cf a temporary
character have been cracked about the South face of the tunnel.
Sone of them are not yet completed.
The inspection on the 10th. September was
limited to that portion of the route South of the Kowloon Kanze
of Hills.
With regard to the work North of the
Kowloon Range, the Chief Resident Engineer's reports show that a,
shaft was begun towards the end of June at the North Tunnel
face and was completed in the end of August. The Service Road
on this side is about completed and a temporary pier has been
erected in ride Cove. The approach cutting to the tunnel was
begun later in August.. Temporary dwellings, &c., have been
erected.
It is evident from the Chief Resident
engineer's reports that he is not getting on satisfactorily
with the local Chinese Contractors. He complains repeatedly of
scarcity of labour, refers to having "broken a ring" (Report
9.8.06) and in his last report (8.9.06) he "foresees great
"difficulty in getting work done except at such rates as will
"draw all the labour from Hongkong".
this is a very exaggerated way to talk.
At the present time, work is slacker in the Colony than it has been for several years past and no difficulty has been experienced in letting Contracts for Public Works of all kinds
at reasonable rates and to substantial Contractors. In my experience, if Chinese Contractors are reasonably dealt with, satisfactory teras can be arranged for almost any work. With the
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