Ko.
526.
Sir,
824
4004
Government House,
FEB 21
Hongkong, 31st December, 1901.
I have the honour to report that in consequence of a number of complaints which reached the Government in connection with the difficulties of procuring and retaining reliable coolies for private chairs and jinrickshas, I appointed a Commission in August last for the purpose of enquiring into the cause of these complaints and suggesting a remedy.
2.
The Commission held fourteen meetings during the months of September, October, and November, and examined a large number of witnesses. The Report, in which the evidence of these witnesses was reproduced, and in which the Commissioners formulated their suggestions for the removal of the alleged grounds of discontent, was submitted to me last month. I gave it my careful consideration and perused all the evidence upon which the recommendations of the Commissioners were based.
3.
I did not find myself in agreement with the deductions drawn from the evidence by the Commissioners, and was unable therefore to concur in their recommendations. I invited the Members of my Executive Council, however, to
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
JOSEPH CHAMBERLAIN, M.P.,
&c.,
&c.
give