Any further communication should be addressed to
THE ASSISTANT SECRETARY,
(MARINE DEPARTMENT),
BOARD OF TRADE,
7, WHITEHALL GARDENS,
LONDON, S.W.
And the following letter and number should be quoted -
M 682.
Telegraphic Address.
BOARD TRADE, MARINE,
LONDON.
Sir,
BOARD OF TRADE,
(MARINE DEPARTMENT).
7, WHITEHALL GARDENS,
LONDON, S.W.,
7th February,
1896.
2450
With reference to previous correspondence and especially to the letter from this Department of the 28th ultimo,
transmitting copies of communications received from Messrs Matheson and Company and Messrs John Swire and Sons respecting the alleged overcrowding of vessels engaged in the Chinese Passenger trade, I am directed by the Board of Trade to state, for the information of Mr Secretary Chamberlain, that representatives of the firms above referred to were received by the President at this Office on the 31st ultimo and addressed arguments to him in the sense of the paper enclosed herewith.
After considering the arguments put forward by these gentlemen, the Board of Trade are of opinion that the Ordinance which it is understood is being drafted by direction of the Governor of Hong Kong should not receive Her Majesty's assent
The Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.
without