As regards the fact that he has so far having carried out the work on the pure departmental lines, (1) because he was distinctly instructed to do so, (2) because there are other and wider reasons. It must be remembered that the local supply of labour suitable for the class of work involved in the construction of this railway is very limited, and further that as several other large works are under construction at Hong Kong, (Messrs Butterfields & Swire's dock for example) the supply of local work people is scarcely more than sufficient for the demand of the immediate neighbourhood. For the class of work which the construction of this railway involves heavy rock cuttings for example involving blasting operations on a large scale, heading driving, shaft sinking, and tunnel work of all descriptions, the ordinary class of earthwork coolie is unsuitable and in our opinion the most desirable class of labour is that which exists in the mining districts of North China, from which localities we believe that heavy drafts of labour may have to be made.
In order to procure this supply, recruiting agents would have to be sent up into Chihli and Shantung and authorized to make advances to head men, a system which although it presents no difficulties to the ordinary contractor possessed with the necessary capital, would be much more difficult under the rules, regulations and restrictions, that have necessarily to surround departmental work.
This applies in a special manner to the question of the construction of the tunnel, but in addition an extensive and highly trained staff to supervise the large force of labour which would be required.
It might possibly be practicable to select and send out a special and numerous staff from this country, but if we have to attempt to do this, we should be under disadvantages compared with long established contractors who have the command of experienced and well trained employees.
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gor plures A ...ÄIST
on his so far having carried out the work on the pure1268 departmental lines, (1) because he was distinctly instructed to do so, (2) because there are other and wider reasons. It must be remembered that the local supply of labour suitable for the class of work involved in the con- struction of this railway is very limited, and further that as several other large works are under construction at Hong Kong, (Messrs Butterfields & Swire's dock for example) the supply of local work people is scarcely more than sufficient for the demand of the immediate neighbourhood. Por the class of work which the construction of this railway involves heavy rock cuttings for example involving blasting operations on a large scale, heading driving, shaft sinking, and tunnel work of all descriptions, the ordinary class of earthwork coolie is unsuitabls and in our opinion the most desirable class of labor is that which exists in the
mining districts of North China, from which localities we believe that heavy drafts of labour may have to he made.
In order to procure this supply, recruiting agents would have to be sent up into Thihli and Shangtung and authorized to make advances to head men, a system
which although it presents no difficulties to the ordinary contractor possessed with the necessary capital, would be much more difficult under the rules, regulations and
restrictions, that have necessarily to surround departmental
work.
This applies in a special manner to the question of
the construction of the tunnel, but in addition an extensiv
and highly trained staff to supervise the large force of labour which would be required.
It might possibly be practicable to select and send out a special and numerous staff from this country, but if we have to attempt to do this, we should be under disadvantages compared with long established contractors' who have the command of experienced and well trained
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employees.
eas
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