Stephens & Howard's petition to H.M. in Council for Special leave to appeal against the decision of the Supreme Court of the Colony of Hongkong, referred to in paragraph 29 of the Petition. This appears to be a substantial case.
£6 is considered sufficient grounds for declining to advise H.M. to endorse the Petition.
It is stated that the Petition has been presented in Hong Kong to the Governor, but has apparently taken no action, and has forwarded it to the Secretary of State with a request that he will take steps by engaging solicitors & counsel to protect the interests of the Colony.
4. It would appear from the report by the Governor, a copy of which is enclosed, that the Governor has granted or refused the Petition, as the case may be, in the Colony. Waiting for a reply from the Secretary of State and instructions on how to proceed.
The Law Officers have reported that they are awaiting a reply to the Petition from the Secretary of State before taking any further action.
It is not possible to take any further action in this matter until a reply is received from the Secretary of State regarding the Petition received from Hong Kong until two days ago, when it was forwarded to the Secretary of State, who was glad to receive it.