503
the Legislative Council and certain other persons opposed the measure on condition that unless ample provision should be made by the Company for openings in the Pier of sufficient capacity to enable house boats, and sampans to pass and repass at all seasons of the tide. This we considered necessary not merely as a matter for our own accommodation, but for that of the whole Mercantile Community, as the plan upon which it was then proposed to construct the Pier made no provision for the passage of boats of the kind. We also considered and still consider that the absence of such accommodation must seriously depreciate our property at Wanchai which immediately adjoins the Sin Company's premises and also our property at Causeway Point.
Our Mr William Keswick brought the matter prominently before the Legislative Council and protested against the passing of the Ordinance unless such accommodation were afforded, in consequence of which a Special Committee of the Council was appointed to examine into and report upon the matter.
This Committee met on the 3rd and 7th of November last when