1908-07-07 — Page 5

New Typhoon Refuge,

GOVERNOR'S MEMORANDUM⠀

ON. LIGHT DUES.

INTERESTING CORRESPONDENCE.

We have received the following correspond. ence for publication:

Colonial Secretary's Office,

THE HONGKONG TELEGRAPH TUESDAY JULY 7 1008.

is the only part of the structure which would have to be carried out departmentally, and vay litle special plant would be required for t dredger would have to be blend from the Co, or Masres. Pugchard Lowther & Co-stor the purpose of excavating the trench fertős foundations 14

one exception unanimously rec`mmended that the Impstion of a permanent tonnage Due of I cents in addition to the i cent Light Does on the grounds that: Shipping should pay its fair proportion to the Revenue

2 C.-It arises from the fact that shipping benri's directly both in respect of capital a penditure sa works, and la' respect of increased The blockwork is expensive but pacemary, iffi'e cy in "disimististive machinery. In because three tons is, the maximum weight of 1811, the Colony could (ffar nothing but the boulders to be, got,by: junks, and such, a barbour, infested - by piritas and ships blocks are too small to withstand the action of watered from a waterfall meer Aberdeen, the sen at or near low-tide foval. The consi: There is now efficient police protection, hospil-crete: blocks would extend down to 7 foot be als, markets, better and cheaper water supply, low Ordnance Datum, at which depth the His Excellancy is anxious that your Cham. ratioüsuseful ibķiktu inns like the Bailors Home three-ton boulder would not be liable to die. ber abould be in full possession of the reasons good whitves and piers for Lading and discharg, turbance by the wavet, ve which have led him to the conclusione ba hasing cargo, and i well organised Harbour De formed, and he has therefore desired me to partment which regulates native craft. encioso a Memorandum which be has prepared as the subject for your information.

* 20th May, 1908. Sir, I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter of ist May on the subject of light duer, with its enclosure.

1 estimate the cost of this design at $170.00 per tional foot and the total cost of the long breakwater as follows:—

$1,480,000

Arbour, the total realised by the sam. cest romther

With an equal amount Terjasedling the Giayari ments baff share of the cost,“By this, the urgency of the work enffare ko delay.,

MEMORANDUM. || REFERS TO GOTARNMENT KE MA‚—Owidg to the incresaed size of steamers heavier dues, have to be paid than hørelafora. Inʼmost instances steamers bave no brought vrtaken away more cargo: than formerly, but the cost of calling has been inerrarid. The

bravity, we attach memoranda we up regarding the propssed refuge, kas on some of the points affecting

a has consequently, benelitit 1807

foning trade and taxation of Hoogkoog | CD im in reply to the petition in 1897,

the comments, made by His Ex-

Mr. Chambariato also stated, ** 1 concur in your views that modera'e cues may probably be levied in Hongkong provided the proceeds penditure of the Harbour Department includ do not in ordinary times excoed the total ex ing Light Heuses, Water Police: &e

a

Intimations,

SPECIAL

BARGAINS!

„OFFERED IN SOME

We jure gly of oplaton, that immediate steps should be taken to Improve the refuge at Canacay Bay, half of which at the present time is practically useless owing to silt. We think that, on this belog done, it will provide Lord Sclo urns at the same tline and shelter for the greater part, if not the whole, of the same proviso regarding the expenditure of the aller craft employed la the harbour berisio bad under his consideration to adopt

The Harbour Department w ole that Mr. Cham Should the Government, however, beide one of the two following alternatives, viz: "(1) 4000 lineal feet @ $370...............

faimly committed to the Mong-kak-isul scheme ■ uniform charge of two cents (instead of al "Extra labour and materialsát hosdrą, · ób,rao | wa reli na your Chamber to advocate that they centi) par tos on all shipping or (2) a charge

adopt a scheme on the lines laid down in our

on a graduated sole such as in levied "at Total $1,540,000

memorandum, by which the cost-but not ne smalle vessels and rising to a maximum Gibraker beginning at 78 cents per ton, on | cessarily the work—is spread overes, torm of charge of (say") Szojta on ships of

of (any) yours, and will thus fall, lets heavily on those 1,800 tons and over $40 who have to contribute to the cost of the works, From these extracia

can be only

[only cons policy which is usually adopted by portios of the Home Government to lavy a cluded that" it was poi-the wish or inter- reprovems but with whiney for perme-beavy tax on steamers. On the existing Rachals

D. -The principle that shipping should, con- tribute to general, revenue is recognised by the I enclose the plans and estimates, for the United Bates of America; which assigned ship || scheme, which, as you are aware, from the ping dues to national debit chirges, defence, official reports in the Gorelic of the proceed- and general revenue. In reply to a polition —ings of the Legislative Couocit, bave already | from the shipping interest in 1897. Mr. Chain-" "The actual cross section of the long break. been submilited to the Public Works Commit.berlain teplied: "If, at any time thereaftor water at any point would not differ materially tee of that body. The subject of the cost of "urgent necessity should arise for increas from the average, cross-section (shawo; and the shelter is dealt with in His Excellency's "ing general revenue I should be prepared judging by the boringe taken in connection

10 consider any proposal for "raising the shipping dues" aud.#gals in 1902

again with the proposed work, and by the soundings he gave it as bis view that a special tax should be levied to cover any harbour improvement.

memorandum. Ma

With regard to the question, asked in, the ante penultimate paragraph of your feller, I am to state that the revenue derived from the increased fees on cargo brats, lighters and watnihoati' was made in the interest of General Revenue since it was considered that the fees were low,

The increase bised on-lant year's receipts will amotol to $18,000 per annum.

E-lo my view the typhoon shelter is a great "barbour improvement which mareover ditecity bevelin Oceau Shipping in that light- ers and small craft which now bolt for the inadequate refuge 1! Causeway Bay on the first indication of a typhoon and so leave the With regard to the suggestion put forward in Ocean Steamers sometimes I believe for several the second paragraph of the enclosure to your days unable to load er discharge, and thus sub- lotter I am to state that the Government is at a ject them to much delay, and expense, will, -loss to understand how such tax-could-be-pro-when tho new typhoon refuge is built, be able, parly distributed traing that much of the under to remain to the last moment secure in the writing is done outside the Colony, and I am to | knowledge that they ran gain an entrance inquire how your Committee would propose however late. to give effect to their suggestion.—i am &c.,

(SRd.), F. H. MAY,

If, however, this direct benefit to ocean shipping should be disputed, the principle forward in (C) and (D) go to show that ship 7he Secretary, to the Hoogkong General Champing is liable for contribution to any harbour

ber of Commerce.

improvement and even to purposes of general

་ན

Colonial Secretary.

MEMORANDUM FOR. CHAMber of COMMERCE RE LIGHT DUES.

TREASONS FOR UNDERTAKING TYPHOON

SHELTER,

ravenije,

F.-It has been argued that the imposition of any dues beyond the amount actually spent on lights and buoys would mean that Houg kong would no longer be a" Free Port." A **Free Fart" is one in which no Customs dues are charged. Copenhagen, a free port, charges the equivalent of sixpence a too, while Shang hai charges the equivalent of 14-cents per ton,

Others have urged that the proclamation of 1842 made exemption of all dock and no increase would violate that pledge-Thé proclamation was not ie the nature of a treaty, or pledge to third parties, but was merely a statement of the policy of the day, vizito at- tract commerce to a new and undeveloped port. The policy of to-day is to chargo a very moderate rate for improvements affected on behalf of shipping,

sent

on the Admiralty Charts, the average. CEDIS section of the short breakwaters or of a raply to our inquiry regarding the increas With reference to the Colonial Secretary's other breakwater in the neighbourhood of it, would approximate closely to the average croised fear on cargo-boats, lighters and water section showb............

bangbosis, we are surprised to learn that the in the interest of With reference to the question of bringing increase was made within certain limits the cost of any work General Revenue, on the ground that such to be undertaken, I have to say that nothing fees ware considered to be low. We are but a complete breakwater would be of any of the opinion that fees derived from such s practical use, as the Observatory records of the source should be devoted to the up-keep of the 19:6 typhoon alone are sufficient to show (wide various branches of the Harbour Department; attached diagram showing the average hourly and that any surplus should be applied to direction and velocity at the wind dating the works such as the dredging of Causeway Bay typhoon ou be pacing of the 18th September or the erection of a typhoon shelter. We would 1906.)

point out that, from past records, Mr. Chamberit

would give a sheltered aren equal to Causeway The short breakwater suggested on the plan Bay. This would be worth having; but there would seem to be too many expensive difficul- ties in the way to admit of the suggetion being acted out.

The area is small, and the width of the ex- trance would have to be proportionately small; but the north entrance cannot be placed close to the north shore, owing to a rocky shoal which exists at that point. A jelly would there- fore be constructed on the shoal, and the entrance would be immediately to the South of it, as shown on the plan

The estimated ext of the short breakwaters and the jetty, is a f follows:

1,950 lineal Yeet of breakwater

·☞ $370′′ M. Mom5717,800,00 Extra labour and materivis" at

beads.......

Jelly, we staa

$853x.co

The vital neces ity and urgency of this work

· has been pressed-repeatedly upon Government by the unofficial members!flauf, and my predecessor gave a pledge that Government would undertake it without delay, and would contribute a sum rqual to that subscribed by the community tnsards the Typhoon relief fund, vie-12:9,93, The Balance of this fund was handed over to Government. It mounted to $33 8.4 and has been earmarked as fund los relief in sínular circumstances i the future. On my "arrival" in the Colony

The area egclosed by the abort breakwater would be liable to become so packed with smal i devolved upon the to make grad Bir Matthew raikan's pledge, and when the estits prosperity to shipping which would avoid marine frontages.abutting on the area and craft as to cause a sérion, obstrucția to the mates were discussed in September last Meisis, the port if dues are levied. There are those seas running off the south-cant and of the Osborne and Hewelt sakin very arongly urged who maintain that shipping which would avoid breakwater would impinge on the marine the pecessly for the shelter and blamed the port for dues so small as these, were better frontages immediately-south-of-the-entrance. Government fordelay. From what I can away. The dues were raised to 21 cents be.To avoid complicated claims from the top gather they voiced the wishes of the comtween April, 1895, and October, 1897, to pay nwners affected it would probably be necessity, munity.

for the Gap Rock Lighthouse, and between these dates the toangge lacreased from 4893,733 tons to 6,065,647 1000, The inducement

‚ REASONS POR'DELAY.

This delay had ansen in the first place owing to a protracted discussion as to the comparative merits of different aiter, and in the second place in the time required for making a reliable. estimate, and jó érde«vausing to had an alter- qative and cheaper.icheme

COST.

G.-It has been urged that the Colony awes

As it is a port of call.

of ships to come to this port is not that they have nothing to pay, but in order to earn freights and proportionately as Hongkong bei comes an industrial centre her shipping. will increase. Our geographical position is equal When the project was first breached a roughly advantageous to us as an industrial centre, calculition for font ran was made merely for the purpis of contrast ng the comparative cost of the d flerent sit proposed, and the ene af Mongkulisul was on his basis of calculation put down at $500,000. When this site had finally been recided, upop, a detailed estimate was prepared by Mr. Boulton, Ian whom there is probably no Lor-qualified for the task

It was received last autumn, and. ·com... municated by met the Council-in-my- speech when introducing the Elimiter. The Crease was stated to be par ly due to a rise in

H-The Chamber of Commerce appear to contend that the amount imposed upon ship ping is too great, and that other interests should contribute a portios. Only half of the costs asked from the shipping, and though i im not at present able to forecast the financial requirements of next year and iball, not be in a position to do so till the draie, Estimates are before me, I fear that the shipping laterest

་ ·- !,,

to resume all the Ints between Kowloon Marine or 32 and Kowloon Marine Lot 30 entrance and Kowloon Marine Lot 39... and strengthen the sea wall between the south

(id), J. F. B.

289.07

HongLoag General Chamber of "ommerce," Hongkong 19th May, 1908.

Dear Sir, I am directed to forward for your perutal and consideration the enclosed copies of the Gay meni'a reply in the Chamber's Jelter regarding the proposed,! yphoon Harbour of Refuge Mongkol trui and Blemoranda by Hir Excellency and the Hon. the Director of Public Werks,

The plans mentioned Thorela' may be seen at the Chamber between the hours of to 4.

and 12 am, from the 1st June to be

shipping, was to be applied to the Harbour, lain mentioned the revenue derived from native Masters Department, an apart from what may be termed the general budget of the Colony We bays etc.

(Signed), F. J. ABBOT,

Acting Sapt, P. & O. S. N. Co. BUTTERFIELD & SWIRE,

Agents, Ocean Steam Ship Co., Ld. China Matual Steam Nay,

CoiLd.

Chiba Navigation Co., Ld, Jardine Matheson & Co, LD.

General Managers, Indo-China

S. N. Co., Limited..

··Agenți, Indra. Line Ld, DODWELL & CO., LTD.,

Edgar G. Barrett, Meonger CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAY CO.

JW. Craddock General Traffic

Agent

Douglas LapRATE & CO.

Geceral Managers, Douglas,

Steamship Co, Lid. GIBS LIVINGSTON & Co., ves

Agents, "Ben" Line of Steamers

E&A 5:9. Co, Lid, SHEWAN TOMES & Co.,

General Managers, Chiba Manila

S. S. Co., Ltd. General Agente, America Asiatic

S. S. Co., Ltd.

many steamers are paying

due than Mr. Chamberlain (a) contemplated."

In 1896-1897 a fair average ocean scamer was 3,000 tons register tonnage dues at a cent $18.1 conis $70.

To-day ocean steamers are often 3,000 tons register tonnage does at 1 cent 5:0; at 21 conte $135. Harbour Police should be, and we be

vis, paid out of light dues, and w

Hospitals, ′′) Services under this head. log are paid for by Ship- Markets

.

FIRST CLASS

PIANOS.

Collard

ping Companies at market Steinweg

rates to the foamçial bene

Water supply. fit of the Colony there is no favour; the obligation in mutual

Failers Home pays for itsell we believe, and would be interesting to learn what share the

Hopkinson

therefrom by the shipping advantages derived Haake

ORDINARY

TO CLEAR PRICE

$565 $700

685 650

410 500

Wharves and Piers-Government have charged shipping compan es very highly for Crown rent &c and piors and wharves are Bretschneider 340 450 erected by private enterprise. Shipping paya directly for every service rendered.

Cost of Harbour Department is more than gaid for out of light dues,

H

acconot; they can always

F.-Free Fort, Shipping companies do not FULLY GUARANTEED. protest against exten taxation allogether on their own

even up on tales so that ukimately all additional taxation ** met by consumers, but the Government should tread cautionely in the direction of increasing the burdensorshipping, for if taxation is increased beyond reason, owners will have to protect themselves by in- creasing rates to the disadvantage of Hongkong vis-a-vis other ports.

The difference of even half a cent per thousands of tous of cargo would be diverted 'picol might meno" that · iranshipment of

from Hongkong and delivered direct to Manila, Shanghaijs Canton and elsewhere. The shipping companies can view such a transfor of trade with equanimity, because they cao da- liver and collect cargo la Manila or elsewhere with facility, but the flongkong Government

CASH

or CREDIT

SYSTEM,

ROBINSON

would realfie, when perhaps it was too late, PIANO Co., LTD.

that they, Had de'vou trade into the knods of a competing port, willing and anxious to secure the trade.

"In the Philippines the American Government bas lately spent large sums in improving their harbouts, and the ponts are absolutely free- no topoage dues or light dués-and as a conse quence railway material and other home cargo which used to come vif Hongkong is now cát- tied to the Philippines, while homp and other Agenis, Sbice Line of Steamers, exports which previously were transhipped at

Ltd.

MCGREGOR BROS & GOW

General Manager, Glen Line

of Steamers.

this port, are increasingly shipped direct from Manila

Shangbai is similarly improving the Whangpoo, not at the expense of shipping. Nauka but in order to attract it. Shanghai is not a HONGKONG, CANTON & MACAO,free port and does not claim to be, but bow

Steamboat Co., Ltd,... W. E. Clarke, Secretary. David Sassoon & Co, Lid, ›

Agents, Apdar Line

ip the 14 cents per ton made up? China charges toar ago does at the rate of 4 mace per met re- gister ton=61 mexican cents for months For this levy steamers have the privilege of calling at any and all Chips ports as many The Chairman, Hoogkang General Cham, Rimes as they like for a period of 4 months

MEMORANDUM FROM THE BRITISH SHIPPING tension is granted. Contrast the ethics by bar of Commerce, Hongkong,

without extra charge of any kind, and should steamers be laid up during the period an ex

LINES TO THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

ASPSS, RES LIGHT DUES Typhoon Shelist.

If the Government has not definitely decided 6th June, inclusive, and my Committee trust to build be new harbour of refugeat Hong- by no means likely to be the only one which that you will take this opportunity of examining kohtul there are various reasons against the looking to the large increase of reveRDE DECAS

amount wai. $1,4000 and the great in. will have to submit to increased taxation, the scheme and estimates and that, you will | site,

prices of materials, an I partly to the fact that he typhoon of September, 1,56, had shown that a much higher and more substantiat sea wall would be required than had b'en contem.

1.-The Chamber of Commerce urge that plated, b fore the experience gained, by that disastrous gate. Th a sum appeared to me to be the sum to be raised should be spread over a beyond our present spacer, and I referred it decrease in the extra dues. There is no point lenger term of years, with a proportionate back to Mr. Boulton with a view to the prepata which has been more strongly emphasized by tion of a less costly schee which would if posthe representatives of the community in. sible give partial protection, and ts-capable of later development as funds permitted. The Council than that the construction of the Refuge. 20th May, 1958, (No. 9165/1937) on the subject result was that afer careful revision Dit should be pushed on with the utmost rapidity, of the proposed Harbour of Refuge at Mong

sary for payment of interest on fallway ox-alterwards favour the Committee with your penditure, the fall in exchange, the prospect of further views on the subject I am, etc.

(Sgd.), E. A. M. WILLIAMS, decline in opium' revenge, and the continued

Secrelaty... loss dus to discount on subsidiary coins..

The slave laiter wis sent to the Companies who signed the letter to this Chamber dated 23rd April.

Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce,

Hongkong, 31d July, 1903, . Sir-I am directed to reply to your letter of

..

Ton big contemplated was not required

at present; upwise to build as intended when the necessity is not apparent.

Accessibility. It is no more accessible than the present refuge

These reasons are all in favour of first im-

Hongkong, 18th Juan, 1508.

KOWLOON

HOTEL.

"We Lead and

deled by the Chinese Coveranient with that the Hongkong Government. There is no comparison. The China Coast is ose of Over the best, lighted in the world and the service second to none. Da tome of the "regular

costing lines the charge of 4 mace every 4 months actually work out less than the Hong- king dug of i cant per nel register Joe levied evers time a steamer calls

G-If it is correct that the Colony does goi

Others Follow.

150 guests that dined in this hotel

ON

owe its prosperity to shipping it will not be SATURDAY NIGHT.

PRONOUNCED

disputed we presume that it is the trade which attracts it here. If that trade is driven else. z Cost-prohibitive in Colony's present diabere by excessive taxation either direct or ONE and ALL

'indirect "it will be lost to the Colony but auciet cocdition....

follow. It Bol to the shipping which can readily How easily shipping followed 'the' trade, to” Manchester when the Canal was opened, how quickly it left Macao for proving the present site at Causeway Bay Hongkong, and be go for migtas, when the Menu to be the best lack of attention to its approaches in the (which is in a disgraceful, state, and watching ens cise and railway development in the other the result. In favour of this it is contended carried the produce of the hinterlands to the

Coit of dredging is not excessive. thats a neighbouring portself is not a

Hongkong of hell is not naturally, an in- dustrial

'centre. It has risen to be one by the 13. Afea is large enough for all practical one advantage that has enabled the Colony to

purposes.

rine above patural'disadvantager, and if we are Lighters and large funks can ride at another, to continue to prosper this advantage must not FULL MOON BAND taxation is increased and cost of production they have always done, and small craft can be interfered with; if it lo just as surely as

estimates was increased to 5 40,000 instead and should not be allowed to occupy so long aĮ kokteni, and the imposition of additional Accessibility is equal to new site proposed: freedom and cheapness of the port; that is the

of decreased, and that he reported that no.

time as the Post Office and Law Coutts are partial or progressive acte.e was possible. ad for the work, but if it should take longer doing. A period of five years has been estimal- The alternative was to decrease the area of the shelter from 165 acres 16 53 ses at a cost of than that time, it may be possible to spread the

contribution for the last year or two over

$881,800. The Engineer'a leppit kod estimates were referred to the Public Works Committts longer period Government, however, is not of the Legislative Council of which the Chair. able to supply the capital for the commence-

Light Dues to defray half the cost thereof..

My committee have submitted the plans and estimates to the general body of Bri-isb shipping companies, or their agents; for their consideration, and the expression of their farther views on this important subject,

be well accommodated: at

Iem to enclose, for H & Excellency's perusal ordinary typhooneid away Bay in levelled up to other places will the port decay..

'4. Safety of Craft.-For a typhoon nosignali-

KONOKOKTIUI SHELTER. SUGGESTED: METHOD OF MEEZING COST. AN

Co-day's Advertisement.

NAVIGAZIONE GENERALE ITALIANA,

(Florio and Rubattins. United Companies),

man of the Chamber of Conimerce is a member meat of the work, and to rely on gradualiva copy of a latter since received from them, tad, #s in 1998, no,refuge' of any size or descrip

recouping itself over a long series of years, or gether with their memoranda mentioned in tion or situation would be of any avail, and they unanimously recommended the larger in view of the existing Loans which amount to paragraph two of such letter. scheme at Mongkokisui.

above one tenth of Revenue, am able to I am to state that my committee wish to as . METHOD OF MEXTING COST, recommend to the Secretary of State, nor sociate themselves with the views of the ship If the Government is definitely committed After a most careful investigation of the would be agree to a proposat for a Lose for ping companies, as contained in their letter to to the Mong-kok-tsal scheme there is nothing STEAM FOR BOMBAY VIA SINGAPORE Jabilities of the G volumeol and the available such a purple.

I do not enter into this this Chamber and the accompanying memo

·Raveaua wbice I need not detail, at leagībin |matter in detail in this Memorandump, however, j rand», and would ask Hii Excellency, to accept fanher to be, sild except for the shipping to SAINT POT. AND PENANG, EAM Sun N this Memoradum but which op fiting opsince it has already extended to considerable such letter and memorands,as an axpression or present their views ar to finaócing the work. Having connection with-- Company's Mail

portunity I shall fully explain; Icati:fied my length. salf that I had in a fernative but to raise the -light dues temporarily in the way which hat been described to the Chamberṛf Commerce.

The following are smang ibe, reasons which led me to this conclusion

A-On the last occasion when an increate of maventta was foud to be necessary (in 1903) Practically all licences were largely increased additi nal conlibut on was asked abili y. in contribute was was reserved for the next

bat

8th May, 19 B. Hon, D. P. W.

(5qd.), F. D. LUG RD,

Proposed Boat-Sheller at Monghoul. I beg to submit the accompanying plan and section, and the following report

The plan shows, in red, the long breakwater originally proposed, and, lo, greep, ansbon breakwater now suggested, but not recom mended. The section shows a design which has been prepared after full consideration, of the effects of the 1906 typhoon.

The bulk of the work could

They would repeat that this thould be opinion by the Chamber of Commerce, A

1 return with this the plans and estimates

arranged to extend over a longer period and am directed to request you to express the than that proposed by the Government thanks of my committer to His Excellency for excred cant per ton net regler.

and that the pairs tax on shipping should not The the opportunity accorded them of examining | Evanchal ar angemant should be separate and the scheme and commenting thereon-have, distinct from the general

(Sd), E. A. M. WILLIAMSE

Secretary

·Hon. Mr. F. H. May, 0.3,0,,

Colonial Secreta

GRO THUN tan berdine if

of the

Backs ❤i!

Fantéed by

panies Ros

ces of the Colony

without the

Steamers to PORT SAID, ✨ MESSINA,

·NAPLES" "LEGHORN" and GENDA," also VENICE" and:=TRIESTE, "All - MEDITKA! RANEAM, LADRIATIC, LKVANTINE and SOUTH AMERICAN PORTS up to CALLAD, (Taking Cargo through Rates to PERBIAN GULF End BAGDAD," also BARCELONA, VALENZA ALICANTE,” ALMERIA RED MALAGA.) POSAO

CHE Sipamships A

despatc

ever served in the

COLONY,

ON

SATURDAY NEXT

the, 11th inst., at 8 P.M.

SPECIAL MENU

BY OUR

NEW CHEF.

INDIAN OURRIES

TO BVoid dissatisfaction,

please reserve seats beforehand.

O E OWEN

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