Sir,
ENCLOSURE 5
602
20100
Hongkong & Thames Dock Co. Ltd.
Hongkong, 19th June 1901.
I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. 1429 of 15th instant, from which I learn with regret that His Excellency the Governor is unable to put up the land indicated in my letter of 11th instant, to Public Auction, until he receives a reply to his letter of 22nd April addressed to the Secretary of State for the Colonies.
I crave permission to be again allowed to emphasise the vital importance of proceeding with the construction of a new and larger dock at the earliest possible date, and as our hands are tied until the necessary ground is acquired, my Directors will be most grateful if His Excellency the Governor will endeavour to obtain by telegram the decision of the Former Authorities, when he thinks Admiral Seymour's letter of 20th May has been received at Whitehall; all expenses incurred in connection therewith, my Company will gladly reimburse.
I have &c.,
(sd.) D. Gillies,
Chief Manager.
To T. Sercombe Smith,
Acting Colonial Secretary.
&c.