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No. 28
01
HONGKONG.
DESPATCH RESPECTING SUNDAY LABOUR ON GOVERNMENT WORKS.
Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government,
on the 31st July, 1891.
DOWNING STREET,
16th October, 1890.
HONGKONG,
No. 234.
C.0. to Agents, 28th June. gents, 10th October.
SIR,
With reference to your despatch No. 153 of the 17th of May last, I have the honour to forward, for your information, copies of correspondence with the Crown Agents, as noted in the margin, relative to the engagement of a Foreman Mason for the Praya Works.
In regard to the question of Sunday labour, referred to in your despatch under acknowledgment, I have the honour to observe that you will have since received my circular despatch of 31st July last, enclosing a report of a discussion in the House of Lords on this subject.
You will have learned from my speech on the occasion of that discussion, that in the Straits Settlements all Government contracts now contain a provision that work under those contracts, shall not be carried on on Sunday, except in very urgent cases, and on special authority. I would suggest that a similar rule should be adopted in Hongkong if it has not already been adopted.
I have the honour to be,
The Officer Administering the Government of
HONGKONG.
Sir,
Your most obedient,
humble Servant,
KNÜTSFORD.