30
for Shanghai and the northern Ports have to be read, digested
and commented on here
during
the stay of the mail steamer in port and sent forward by
the same
vessel; and that even under the
present system the time is barely sufficient to enable firms in
Hong Kong to deal with their correspondence before forwarding
it.
4.
I hope therefore that
the interval between Singapore
and this port
will not be
lengthened in the
new contract.
End
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
humble servant,
William Robson
in the interests
of
the
mercantile
community of this
colony to
retain the
privilege of sending the mails on
board