The merchants at present trading between this Colony and Foochow receive no special payment for carrying mails, and their freights are regulated by the rate of freight from time to time obtainable, consequently throughout this season, advices and documents of almost commercial importance have almost invariably failed to reach this Colony in time for the homeward Mails, or at so late a time as to prevent exchange business valuable to this Colony and others connected with the Foochow trade from being undertaken.
The position of Foochow as a commercial port is too well known to render necessary any assertion of its trade, which in extent and value is second only to Shanghai.
The Chamber believes that a small payment to the steamers for carrying the Mails would suffice to ensure regularity of communication, and it earnestly requests that the views of the Chamber may be made known to Her Majesty's Government for the consideration of the Post-Master General.
I have, &c.,
(Signed) W. Neswick, Chairman.
(True Copy)
Austin, Colonial Secretary.