3. In my previous despatch No. 76 of 1883 on this question, I expressed the deep sense entertained by the Government, the Legislature, and the Public of Hongkong of the efforts made by your predecessor in your present office (the EARL OF KIMBERLEY) to prevent an unfair and excessive charge being imposed on this Colony. It is confidently hoped that these efforts will be continued by your Lordship, and that they will prove successful.
I have, &c.,
(Signed)
G. F. BOWEN.
The Right Honourable THE EARL OF DERBY,
HONGKONG,
No. 247.
Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies,
&c.,
&C..
&c.
The Secretary of State to the Governor.
DOWNING STREET,
9th November, 1883.
SIR,
Your Despatch No. 122 of the 26th of June, relating to the question of the contribution to be made by the Government of Hongkong to the loss on the Eastern Mail Service, was referred for the consideration of the Treasury and the General Post Office, and I have the honour to convey to you, for your consideration, a copy of the correspondence which has passed on the subject.
I request that you will propose to your Council to vote a contribution for the term of the present contract, including the arrears payments from its commence- ment, at the rate of six thousand pounds per annum.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble Servant,
Governor Sir G. F. Bowen, G.C.M.G.
&c.,
&c.,
&c.
(Copy.) 16,385.
SIR,
The Treasury to the Colonial Office.
DERBY.
TREASURY CHAMBERS,
29th September, 1883.
I am directed by the Lords Commissioners of Her Majesty's Treasury to transmit to you herewith, with reference to your letter of the 13th ultimo, copies of a Report from the Postmaster General, dated the 17th instant, and of the enclosure thereto, respecting the amounts which Her Majesty's Government have called upon the Governments of the Straits Settlements and Hongkong to contribute towards the loss incurred in providing the Mail Packet Service between England and those Colonies, under the Contract with the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company which came into force on the 1st of February, 1880.