matter plain, enough;
On the contrary, it is proved that the responsibility (liable for the "Loss") rests with the Administration, which, having received the article without making any observation on delivery to the addressee, or on the regular transfer to the following administration, may be held responsible.
...
MELWRAITH M: EACHARN & Co LIMITED.
LONDON, MELBOURNE & NEWCASTLE N.S.W
WALTER REID & CO
ROCKHAMPTON, QUEENSLAND.
W.H. PAXTON & CO
MACKAY, QUEENSLAND.
Telegraphic Address "COOMERA"
3 & 4, Lime Street, London, 23 Nov 19
EL.
Page 363
The Under Secretary of State,
Colonial Office.
Sir,
With reference to your communication of the present case, as the Hong Kong authorities admit the receipt of the parcel by themselves, they cannot deny their responsibility for its delivery to the addressee. They have taken a limited liability by Art III (?) 50 francs, and cannot be called upon to do more.
We refer the writers to Art VIII (3) and point out that the Secretary of State has nothing further to add.
M: Cox
C.P.D.
30 Nov.
Japre HAL
30 xi
HFW
30711
C.P.2. 30 at once
We have the honour to address you on 31st August last, ref. 18685/99, and to acknowledge receipt of your further communication regarding the missing Sovereigns from Townsville. We desire to point out that the Sovereigns were not lost, but delivered in Hongkong, and the Authorities there acknowledged receipt of the whole. The point at issue hinges upon whether the Chinaman to whom the Sovereigns were consigned contends that he did not receive them, and the Hong Kong authorities cannot trace the receipt.
They state that the Sovereigns were delivered to them, and under the circumstances, they think it hard that they should be called upon to bear the loss.
If an error has been made in delivering to the Chinaman, it is not their fault, and we would ask you to consider this point raised.
We have the honour to be,
Your Obedient servants,
For McILWRAITH, McEACHARN & Co LIMITED,
Roft Gamble, Liv.
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