J-319
The Surveyors instead of having their telegrams transmitted in a few minutes will have to wait a considerable time for their messages, the unnecessary expense of running a steam launch between Hong Kong and the mainland, besides that of setting up an extra station and staff on the other side, is inflicted upon the Company, and the incomplete state of the Line will prevent the Public from using it to such an extent as will ensure the Company a return for covering the working expenses, and as will induce it to undertake any further extension of the Line in time to come.
The Company is of course willing to accept any reasonable conditions that Government may see fit to impose on granting the required permissions, and begs in that respect to refer to the letter of the Chairman of the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce addressed to the Acting Colonial Secretary and dated 28th December 1882.
I trust that you will be so good as to lay this application of the Company before His Excellency the Governor at an early date.
I have, &c.
(sd.) A. McKenzie
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