TELEPHONE NO.
88 DENTRAL, LIVERPOOL
OFFICIAL
The Merchant Service Guild.
(CAPTAINS AND OFFICERS)
MSC
C. O.
46108
(Brd 24 DEC 03)
627
ADDRESS TELEGRAMS DOLPHIN, LIVERPOOL.
SECRETARY: CAPT. JOHN G. MOORE.
The Arcade, Lord Street, Liverpool.
23rd December 1906.
The Right Hon.
The Secretary of State for the Colonies.
Sir,
Understanding that the Harbour-Mastership of Hong Kong is about to become vacant through the retirement of Commander Rumsey, R.N., I am directed to respectfully submit certain suggestions as to filling up this important appointment.
Representations have been made to the Guild from time to time by its members, particularly those most acquainted with the China trade, to the effect that in justice to the great merchant shipping business carried on at the port of Hong Kong, it is desirable, and even necessary, that a position such as the Harbour-Mastership or Assistant Harbour-Mastership, or both, should be held by those who by knowledge and experience are well versed in the technicalities of such business.
It is understood that heretofore it has been the rule to appoint Naval Officers, against whom the Guild have not a word to say in disparagement. The fact remains, however, that being employed in a totally different sphere, they have no practical experience or knowledge of business immediately connected with merchant ships, whose interests are liable to suffer in consequence.
The Guild are sure that for such a post or posts, many desirable and suitable applicants in the shape of merchant shipmasters could be obtained. Such gentlemen have proved themselves eminently efficient in other Government positions of the kind, owing...