Enclosure to Despatch No. 22 of the 17th January, 1902.
General Post Office,
Hongkong, 28th November, 1901.
Early last year whilst on leave I pointed out by letter to the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies the anomaly of a Chinese Post Office in leased British territory Tai Sai Tei with a branch office on Liu Kung Tau Island.
After correspondence with the Commissioner, I attended at a conference at Downing Street when I had the entire support of Mr. Falkland, the official from St. Martin's-le-Grand.
It was then decided that though the Chinese Post Office at Tai Sai Tei might be continued, the branch office on Liu Kung Tau was to be abolished.
Only just before I embarked I had this again confirmed and was informed that orders for the abolition of the Chinese Post Office at Liu Kung Tau had been given.
I find it has not been abolished. I enclose copy of a minute from the Agent.
I have the honour to ask that His Excellency the Governor may be pleased to move the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies to direct that the Chinese Agency competing with the British Post Office at Liu Kung Tau be closed forthwith, that Chinese postal employees be prohibited from collecting or delivering letters on the Island.
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary.
I have etc.,
H. A. Hastings,
Postmaster-General.