probably be transferred to Shanghai with a view to instituting services between that port, Hankow and Hong Kong. In addition to the above scheme, communications have been addressed to the Colonial Government with regard to the following projects: 1) From Messrs. Spalding & Co., Calcutta, regarding a suggested Aerial Mail and Passenger service between Calcutta, Colombo and Hong Kong. 2) From Messrs. Jardine Matheson & Co. Ltd., acting on behalf of undisclosed manufacturers in the United Kingdom, relative to a service between Hong Kong and Shanghai. 3) From Mr. A. Collins representing the Docal Co., Shanghai, suggesting the conclusion of arrangements for an aerial mail service between that port and Hong Kong. Mr. Collins is described as a British subject, but although the nationality of the Docal Company is not stated, it would appear probable, from the fact that it announces its intention of procuring aeroplanes from the United States, that it is an American concern. No details are available with regard to any of the above schemes, nor have any proposals been put forward in concrete form, and the Colonial Government has not committed itself to any expression of opinion on the subject, pending the receipt of instructions from His Majesty’s Government, to whom the whole question has been referred. It is requested that the information in this section, having been mainly furnished to me by the Colonial authorities, may be regarded as confidential. Aerodromes available for Commercial Aviation. None. Type of Soil at Aerodromes and Auxiliary Landing Places. The soil throughout the Colony is, speaking generally, alluvial in the valleys and broken or fissured rock on the upper levels, overlaid with decomposed granite. Factories Capable of Repairing Damaged Aircraft. None. Skilled Labour. Skilled Chinese wood-workers and mechanics of the type employed in ship-yards and factories are readily procurable, but the delicate nature of the work involved in dealing with aircraft would necessitate very careful supervision by European experts. Approximate Cost of Skilled Labour.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzMjY3MA==