CO129-382 - Public Offices - 1911 — Page 237

F

AES

semispakke indung einen are se

235

i

ī

of the construction of the line was evident in the smoothness and freedom from jolting which were e-

perienced. After a brief stay at Tong Mei a return was made to the Ta Sha T'ou where a luncheon was laid out in the main waiting room and on the platform.

A speech was made by Taotai Sa of the Bureau of Foreign Affairs, on behalf of the Acting Governor General welcoming the guests and toasting the prosperity of the railway. Replies were made by Mr. Lindsey, of the British section and by the Managing Director and the Engineer-in-Chief of the Chinese Section. The latter commented on the delay that had been caused by protracted clan fights but expressed a

hope that the two sections would be linked up in July

1911: The chief limiting factors were the two big bridges over the East River at Sheklung and the Tung Kuan River; the former however was prastically completed, alk the girders being on the piers, while the bridge on the Tung Kuan River, which was somewhat longer, was in an advanced state. Mr. Grove added that all the

earthwork was finished and all the small bridges and culverts completed so that all that remained was balasting and platelaying.

Further speeches were made by His Majesty's Consul General wishing success to railway enterprise in China, and by the representative of the British and

Chinese Corporation besides formal speeches in honour of the guests.

There were no loyal toasts.

The end of the luncheon closed the proceedings.

Negotiations which are likely to prove very

protracted