The reply to be addressed to "The Secretary."
Sir,
Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company,
Offices, 122, Leadenhall Street,
London, E.C.
1 JAN /
40
15th January 1897.
I am desired to bring to your notice that telegraphic advice has been received from the Company's representative at Hong Kong to the effect that His Excellency the Governor is recommending to your Department that the light dues levied on shipping at that port should be permanently fixed at 2 cents per ton, instead of reverting to the charge of 1 cent per ton which was the rate in force prior to April 1890.
As the increased levy was passed by the Legislative Council for the special purpose of providing funds for the construction of the Gap Rock Lighthouse, and it was stipulated that the rate previously in force should be reverted to when this expenditure had been defrayed, my Directors desire to protest, on the information before them, against the proposal to permanently increase the burden imposed upon shipping, and they trust that it will not receive the sanction of the Right Honble. the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
I am to add that the Company's representative further advises that he has written fully about this matter by the mail which left Hong Kong on the 13th January, and under any circumstances it is hoped that the receipt of the particulars given in this letter may be awaited, should it be in contemplation to sanction the proposal of the Hong Kong Government.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
H. Secretary.
The Under Secretary of State for the Colonies,
COLONIAL OFFICE, Downing Street.