Land Boa
-It is true that the Cable is not actually Government property, but it is of as much public importance for the conveyance of news as the Post office itself. We have but a limited number of Clerks and if any are taken away the rest are obliged to undertake double duties, which are irksome and trying in lastom Climates, or the Communication itself must be interrupted.
If it is their duties but a short leave ... has neither asked nor received any Concession, subsidy, or favour of any kind from the Government, and I therefore think that indulgence should be shown in so small a matter as the Exemption of our Clerks from this duty.
I ask this as much in the interest of the Public as the Company. In a similar case which occurred at Singapore Straits Government were pleased to make an exemption in favour of our Clerks, and our Clerks are exempt in India. I therefore trust that your Lordships will be so good as to extend the same favour to our Clerks at Hongkong and that you may be pleased to address his Excellency the Governor by Telegram so as to remove the inconvenience complained of in the present instance.
I have the honour to be
Your Lordships Obedient Servant
M. N. Massey
Chairman
16 March 1885(?) (The date is unclear, but "25" and "Jask this" are written nearby, possibly indicating "25 March" and a misspelling of "ask")
H.K.
Page information is not present in the original text, if it is, please provide the original.