CO129-437 - Public Offices - 1916 — Page 326

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Further up

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sea

On this bar there are places on a stretch of three sea miles which have a depth of only 12 to 17 feet. the river is the so-called first-bar which extends about mile at the upper part of the first Bar Island from this, Northwest to Fiat Island. On this bar there is from 19 to 29 feet of water. Ships can remain in the river South of Flat Island, and have there sufiicient water to Danes Island and to Kellel Reach. This arm of the river is about 1 sea miles distant in a southerly direction from the southern side of Whampoa Island. If the steamers would make their anchorages there, they would be very near, for on this spot the necessary buildings for dis- charging cargoes could be erected, and a system of steam launches establish regular communication with the Canton Settlement. The distance between Whampoa and Shameen is reduced to about 10 sea

The distance miles by the use of the Northern Arm of the river. from the place last described and the proposed settlement will not be greater.

The Viceroy Tien-tschun-Teuan of Canton has occupied himself with the idea of deepening the Pearl River so that it is quite possible that the Chinese Government is already in possession of plans and designs for it.

As China is very friendly towards Germans and their efforts, it seems highly rrobable that the endeavour to oring trade to Canton will receive help from the Chinese Government and thet its co-operation will not be refused to a plan such as that of the dredging of the bars; it is also important for the Chinese to make themselves independent of the English for import and exort.

We must now discuss what attitude our German Shipning Com- panies will adopt towards tae sugestion that their steamers shall go to Whampoa. It is quite possible that from a financial point of view they will not be specially favourably disposed towards it, as the journey up the river means loss of time and in consequence of that and of the increased consumption of coal, greater expenses. On the other hand, it may b anticipated that with these companies also, patriotic interest will be realised and that they will find them willing to run to the harbour of Whampoa and omit Hong Kong.

Charges in respect of the despatch of goods to and from Whampoa would come under consideration independently for the receivers of import and the shippers of export cargoes. These are under all circumstances less than the freights for convey- ance to and from Hong Kong, which previously had to be taken into account; the rates of insurance too are not higher on the route, Canton, Whampoa and beyond, than those which have been

It might be possible paid for Canton, Hong Kong and beyond. eventually to grant a certain compensation by a small addition to the freight, to the Steamship C-mpanies in consideration of the increased expenses to be borne by them wich would compensate

Te must for the difference in charges mentioned previously.

not omit to mention that the building of warehouses in Whampoa is receiving attention where these steamers can load and discharge and in which the goods can be stored either until transport up- river is possible, or the Ocean steamer is ready for their reception.

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