CONFIDENTIAL
>>
Dear SIR HENRY BLAKE,
HONG KONG 4th March 1903
D
17 100
243
252
During my absence in England last year, a proposal for
the construction of another large Dock was, as you are doubtless avare,
submitted to the shareholders of the Hongkong & Whampoa Dock Company, and
rejected by a large majority.
The considerations which led to their decision I need not dwell upon.
It is an undoubted fact that the Docking accomodation now available is
totally inadequate to meet the demands made upon it, & that in consequence
work which could more conveniently be done here is being driven to Shanghai
and Japan.
It is equally clear that further Docking facilities must be
provided if Hongkong is to retain the position she has hitherto held as
the Chief Shipping centre in the East.
Knowing as you do, Sir, the
great interest I take in everything affecting the welfare of this Colony,
with which I have been connected for the last 30 years, it will be no
surprise to you to learn that I have given this matter much consideration,
and I believe it is possible, with assistance, to overcome the objections to
the scheme as previously propounded which were mainly of a financial
character.
My interest in the matter is naturally not lessened by
the fact that within the last few weeks I have been elected Chairman of
the Dook Company, but I do not now write to you in that capacity as I have