HONGKONG
1.0./1146
3 April 1906
497
MINUTE
Antrobus. Cox. 31. Innes. Graham. 30 M. Ommanney. Lock of Onslow. Chamberlain, 1 or all 18 all 24057
I am directed by His Excellency to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 25th ult. F.7-066/5, on the subject of the petition of Right of Messrs Howard and Stephens of Hongkong.
2. The two memoranda, noted in the margin, with their enclosures give full information as to the circumstances out of which this petition arose, and I am to ask that these papers, together with the enclosed copy of Ordinance No 16 of 1889, may be returned to this department.
3. Mr Secretary Akers-Douglas will see from these papers that the case is not one for a petition of Right as there is nothing to litigate, no matter for litigation between the Petitioners and the Crown. I am to suggest that Messrs Trass and Taylor should be so informed.
4. It is, of course, open to Messrs Howard and Stephens to present a petition to His Excellency asking for relief in the circumstances in which they are placed.
I am &c.