Both Launches Being Repaired:
Hopes of Early Renewed Service Intending passengers to Mokanshan should take notice that the launch service between Konzenchiao and Sanchiaopu has been suspended owing to the launches undergoing repairs.
Passengers to Mokanshan, and vice versa, will be compelled to hold over their trip unti] next week when it is hoped that the service may be resumed. The following is a telegram sent to one of the would-be passengers "Received your wire.
Sorry launch available until some time next week. Railw: ent will hire native boat if you prefer but Railway not to be held responsible owing to typhoon."
When seen last Friday afternoon, Mr. Yang, assistant trafic manager of the railway, said that he had done everything in his power to borrow launches or boats for the conveyance and comfort of passengers. Unfortunately up to the time of the interview he had not been successful. He had approached a Mr. Kung, "ho owns a launch at Konenchiao, "ut this gentleman's vessel has broken down. 'The B.-A. T. and A. P. C. boats were applied for, but both were reported to be on service and cou' not be obtained. Thus there were no boats to be obtained on the Hangthow section of the railway.
"Jardine's were tried," said Mr. Yang, "and a reply was received at two O'clock last Thursday afternoon announcing that a launch was not procurable. Mr. Sweet, of Messrs. Jardine's, however, has promised to do his best to secure a boat and will probably be in a position to give a reply to the railway on Monday."
A CHANcE ar Kastine.
Mr. Yang says that he learned hat there was a launch at Kashing which, probably, might be of service. It was owned by the Chinese proprietor of the restaurant there. Inspector Chen Ling went yesterday afternoon to make inquiries and to negotiate with the owner for a loan of the boat. A telephone message had been received shortly before the interview stating that the owner demanded $30 a day as rent.
"Of course it would be a loss to the Railway, but we are willing to stand a loss so that we might get a boat. I am going by night express to-night (Friday) to arrange matters personally. If the boat is found suitable, money will not be allowed to stand in the way. I am going to have the boat if it is fit for our service. From Kashing I will go to Konzenchiao to make all other arrangements and to fix up the service." a
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.