Hongkong, Jan. 10.
It is understood here that negoti tions are at present proceeding for the placing of a big shipbuilding order In Hongkong by the Government.
Contracts will be placed, it is be-HHeved, for at least four cargo ships, the work being shared by the Colony's Jmain dockyards—the Taikoo and thi Kowloon (Hongkong & Whampoa} 5 Dockyards.
The exact tonnage of these projected vessels has not been an. nounced, butt Is understood that they will be slightly smaller than the 10,000-ton Glenorchy and Breconshire. the largest ships yet built in th The ships will represent a rea Empire effort, for the orders will Jcome from Britain and much of the steel from Australia, while Hongkong will provide the Lai At a launching here, the Chairman Jot the Kowloon Docks mentioned that {the Colony had facilities for a much greater shipbuilding output than at present existed and could greatly assist in replacing Britain's war losses.
Hongkong gave this service in the fast war, when at least six ships were built for Britain—Reuter,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.