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THE HONGKONG GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, MAY 18, 1917.
It will always be open for the Local Priority Authorities, or the respective Govern- ments, to take action in cases of special difficulty or importance through the representa- tives of the Dominions or Dependencies.
Some Dominions or Dependencies may desire not to make application for railway supplies, or direct Government orders through the Local Priority Authorities, and though it would be very desirable for the Ministry of Munitions if all or most applications are put forward by one authority, still there will be no objection to other arrangements, as to which full information should be furnished. Even in such cases, however, it is desira- ble that the same procedure forms should be used for the applications.
Questions have been raised as to the kinds of materials or articles that the Local Priority Authorities would have to deal with. The best reply to those questions is that the arrangement only applies to such materials or articles as it is necessary to obtain Priority Permits for. There is a fairly general knowledge by now as to when priority assistance will be necessary.
What has happened hitherto, and will continue to happen, is that when the merchants or manufacturers receive preliminary inquiries, or are invited to tender or accept orders, the inquirer is informed by the merchant or manufacturer if a Priority Permit will be necessary.
It would be only after such an intimation that the inquirer would find it necessary to apply to the Local Priority Authority.
Copies of some of the pertinent existing orders relating to materials are forwarded herewith for the information and guidance of the Local Priority Authorities.
It is intended that the Local Priority Authorities shall be kept posted as to any new restrictions or orders.
The Minister of Munitions most earnestly appeals for the patriotic temporary sacri- fice of their own interests by the merchants and public of the Dominious and Dependen- cies in --
(a) Endeavouring to do without such supplies as priority is necessary for; (6) Realising that priority is only refused with great reluctance in order to conserve the maximum supplies for hastening the allied victory and the satisfactory peace.
1 am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
EDGAR R. JONES, Priority.
SUPREME Court.
No. 228.-It is hereby notified for general information that, pursuant to Section 5 of the Criminal Procedure Ordinances, 1899-1913, His Honour the Chief Justice has ordered that the next Criminal Sessions for the despatch of the business of the Court shall be held on Monday, the 21st day of May, 1917, at 10 o'clock in the forenoon.
17th May, 1917.
HUGH A. NISBET, Registrar.