may be fully considered.
You will notice that information is asked for as to whether, while the treaty was under consideration, any enquiries were received from Her Majesty's Government as to the effect the new tariff would be likely to have on the trade of this Colony, and the Committee will be much obliged for any information on this point His Excellency may be pleased to afford them.
The Committee hope that the importance of a question so intimately connected with present and prospective trade of the Colony will appear to His Excellency sufficient reason for their urging it upon his careful consideration and they will be glad if he will adopt measures which he may deem most likely to be successful in modifying the tariff proposals complained of.
The subject is one which the Committee conceive to be well worth the careful consideration of the Government, who as interested in the progress and prosperity of Hongkong, will no doubt be glad to assist to the best of its power a trade which employs labour in various ways other than any other, and which contributes to the Revenue of the Colony.
I have &c.,
(1.) F. Stewart Henderson, Secretary.