a full report-
8.9.
27 dex.
This appears at first sight to have been a very high-handed act on Sir J.C.'s part.
Proceeding to prepare despatch arising from full report, to be sent by next outward mail if we do not in the meantime hear from the Governor?
18.1/1/87
Waite and act for a draft copy have here.
The S. of State saying that a sunt directs & amaite his apart.
im 5/1
Draft allow Matt foull
My Lord,
Hongkong, 28th October 1880
493
We have the honour to lay before your Lordship the following circumstances and the enclosed correspondence, relating to the granting of a license, by the Governor in Council, to the China Sugar Refining Company Limited, of which we are the General Agents, to carry on the distillation of spirits in premises known as the Hongkong Distillery, recently acquired by the Company.
We deeply regret to trouble Your Lordship with this matter, but our duty to the Company leaves us no alternative but to appeal against an act of the Government, which we deem to be arbitrary and oppressive.
Previously to the year 1869, the distillation of spirits within the Colony had been forbidden by law, but in that year, the refining of sugar having recently found a place in the Colony, the Hongkong Distillery...
The Right Honourable
The Earl of Kimberley,
Her Majesty's Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies,
London.