:
( 20 )
PEKING, 13th August, 1893.
Sin, Since writing to you on the 7th instant, I have received your letter of the 25th ultimo respecting the levy of such preferential dues that tea previously carried by steamer is now almost entirely conveyed to Hong- kong by native junks.
In view of the fact that the toleration of this system is as injurious to the Revenue of the Imperial Central Government as it is unfair towards foreign steamship companies, it is possible that the representations I have already addressed to the Tsung-li Yamen may have the effect of putting a stop to this abuse. But as the Hoppo appears to deny the existence of such dnes in spite of the statistics which I have given the Tsung-li Yamên, I should be glad to be placed in possession, should it be possible, of positive proofs in support of the complaint now under discussion.--I am, &c.,
N. R. O'CONOR.
J. J. KESWICK, Esq.,
Chairman of the HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,
dc.
PEKING, 30th August, 1893. Sm-With reference to my note of the 13th instant, I have pleasure in informing you that I received yesterday from the Chinese Government dis- tinel and positive assurances that the preferential treatment in regard to Customs dues of junks employed in carrying tea, &c., would in future be strictly prohibited.—I have, &c.,
J. J. KESWICK, Esq..
N. R. O'CONOR.
Chairman of the HONGKONG General ChamBER OF COMMERCE,
&&
St.,
$o.
HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE,
HONGKONG, 23rd September, 1898.
SI,I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your esteemed communication of 20th ultimo from which the Committee of the Chamber learn with satisfaction that your Excellency had obtained from the Chinese
0
( 21 )
Government a positive assurance that the granting of preferential duties by the Hoppo of Canton on junk-earried tea, and other articles, would in future he strictly prohibited.
This information has been communicated to the representatives of the steam-boat companies who complained of these preferential duties operating to the detriment of foreign shipping.
The Committee are pleased to have the opportunity of offering your Excellency its thanks for the prompt action you have taken in this matter. -I have, &c..
J. J. KESWICK, Chairman.
His Excellency N. R. O'CONOR, C.B., C.M.G.,
Her Britannic Majesty's Envoy Extraordinary and Minister
Plenipotentiary in China, Peking.
OFFICE OF THE HONGKONG, CANTON & MACAO
STEAM-BOAT COMPANY, LIMITED.
HONGRONG, 28th September, 1893. DEAR SIR,-Referring to your note of the 16th instant, enclosing copy of a letter dated 15th August from the British Minister at Peking, wherein it is stated that distinct and positive assurances had been given by the Chinese Government that the preferential treatment, in regard to Custoras dues, of junks employed in carrying tea, &c., would, in future, be strictly prohibited, I now beg to report that the prohibition, if ever made, has had no effect.
Canton teas, intended for shipment to foreign ports from this, are still brought down by junks, and by juuks alone, which would not be the case anless some illegal concession to the native craft were still made by the Hoppo.-Yours, &c.,
F. HENDERSON, Esq.,
THOS. ARNOLD, Secretary.
Secretary, Hongkong GexerAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
HONGKONG, 29th September, 1893.
DEAR SIR,--We beg to call your attention to the fact that, although instructions have been sent from Peking to the Hoppo at Canton to stop granting preferential duties on cargo shipped to this port by junk, tea is still coming forward by native craft.
652