HONG KONG.
No.64.
17th March, 1899.
Governor
Sir Henry A. Blake, G.C.M.G.
TO
The Right Honourable
Joseph Chamberlain, M.P.
Contract Emigration from Hong-Kong to Sumatra, Respecting
(4 Enclosures)
3
COPY
Sir,
296
ENCLOSURE 1
Rect 10 APR 1899
Hong-Kong, 16th February, 1899.
Having been approached by a syndicate of Tobacco planters in Sumatra who are desirous of obtaining regular supplies of Chinese Coolie labourers for employment on their Estates, and as there does not appear to us any good reason why Emigration should not be permitted from this Colony to countries under the Netherlands Government on similar conditions to those in force in the Straits Settlements as indicated in the enclosed form of Contract, which is there recognized, we shall be obliged by your bringing the question to the notice of His Excellency the Governor, with a view to the introduction of an Ordinance sanctioning such Emigration.
We have, &c.,
(Sd.) JARDINE, MATHESON & CO.
The Honourable
J.H. STEWART LOCKHART, C.M.G.
Colonial Secretary.