I am to add that in the meanwhile the discretionary power vested in the Governor in Council, to which reference is made in your letter, will be so exercised, that the Farmer will not benefit where there is fair reason to suppose that he has been responsible for any attempt to smuggle.
I have the honour to be,
(Sgd.) G. J. M. O'Brien,
Colonial Secretary.
The Secretary,
Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.
DRAFT.
St W. Rohman K.C.M.G.
Hong Kong
25
MINUTE. 14 Feb-
Mr. Johnson 15
Mr. Lucas 15.
Mr. Fairfield.
★ Mr. Wingfield.
Mr. Bramston.
Mr. Meade.
X Mr. Buxton.
Marquess of Ripon.
drafted for
15
17
See further minutes)
8628
HKay 7603
Si,
20 Feb. 1894
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your despatch
of 21st December last,
forwarding a Petition from the Directors of
The Hongkong, Canton, and Macao Steamboat Company Limited and their Agents of the China Navigation Company, praying for amendment of the