O O P Y.
C. O.
Enclosure No. 2 to Despatch No. 418 of the 645
18th. September, 1903.
470
Hongkong and Whampoa Dook Company, Limited, Hongkong, 10th. September, 1902.
Sir,
Adverting to your letter dated 30th. July
giving final terms on which the Colonial Government is prepared to dispose of the land applied for by this Company for proposed construction of a new Dook at Hunghom, and with particular reference to Special Condition 1 (c), I have the honour to make respectful application that His Excellency the Governor will be pleased to modify the terms of same by agreeing to our completing the dock within eight years. It is considered by my Directors that, in view of labour troubles and the difficulty of obtaining skilled workmen, which is becoming more acute every day, it is very necessary we should seek for the most liberal limit possible as to time for completion of the work. If the Government will grant the Company this concession, we will undertake to have the dock built within eight years from date of purchasing the land.
And with regard to the payment of the purchase money, as the Company is at present in a somewhat difficult position financially, if the Government would have the goodness to allow this to be spread over a period of two years, the Directors would greatly appreciate the accommodation, and they believe it would be of material assistance to them in bringing their proposals before shareholders, and facilitate the accom-
plishment of the object in view.
I have etc., (Sa.) 7. 8.. Dixon,
Chief Managər.
The Honourable-
F.. H.. May, 0.1.0. ̧‹
Colonial Searetary.