CONFIDENTIAL.
Hongkong.
Government House,
C.O.
Hongkong, 9th March, 1904.
CONFIDENTIAL
No.
With reference to my Despatch marked 'Confidential' of the 15th of January last, I have the honour to transmit for your information the enclosed copy of a report drawn up by the Registrar-General at my request shewing the amount of traffic in passengers and goods in 1902 between Hongkong and the Districts that might be tapped by a line of railway from Hongkong to Canton.
2. The passage boats running between Hongkong and Sheklung, Tai Ping and Tungkun, carry goods almost entirely to the exclusion of passengers.
3. The figures confirm the opinion that such a railway would pay.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient
Humble servant,
Officer Administering the Government.
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE
ALFRED LYTTELTON, K.C., M.P.