Sir,
The Incorporated Chamber of Commerce of Liverpool.
April 3rd, 1897.
3923 LIGHT DUES: HONG-KONG.
The Hong-Kong Chamber of Commerce have sent to this Chamber copies of a petition addressed to the Governor of Hong-Kong by the Agents and representatives of Companies and Firms owning steamers trading to and in the Far East, protesting against the raising of the general Light Dues from 1 cent to 2 cents per ton, on vessels entering the Port of Hong-Kong, and also of a letter in support thereof, addressed by that Chamber to the Governor.
The General Trade Committee of the Council have carefully considered the case, as laid before them by the Hong-Kong Chamber, and are of opinion that in the interest of the Shipping Trade frequenting the Port of Hong-Kong the general Light Dues should not be raised; and I am respectfully to ask that your careful and favourable consideration may be given to the subject of the Memorial.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient servant,
Kamaori Backin,
Secretary.
H.M. Principal Secretary of State for the Colonies,
Colonial Office,
LONDON.