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mercantile firms who are about to return to China. Some are small traders on their own account. All are free. So says Mr. Ku, and I believe it to be the truth, and have no fear that there is any idea of promoting contract emigration of coolies. Most of the intending passengers are not at present in the Colony as it is pleasanter to wait in Canton and Macao or at their own homes.
E.
I attach a list of nine Chinese firms engaged in the Peru trade which have agents in that Country. They have been in the habit of regularly sending goods there, often direct by sailing ship.
6.
The Chinese Government maintains a representative in Peru, though I believe that the Minister to the United States is the Officer actually accredited to Peru. Mr. Ch'an Wing I, a Hongkong Merchant and son of Mr. Ch'an Tsz-ün, a well-known resident of Hongkong, is now Consul for China in Peru and representing the Chinese Government. I do not find any mention in the Hongkong Directory of a Treaty between China and Peru, but neither is the Treaty with Mexico given there.
7.
As Mr. Ku justly says, the restriction on Chinese emigration to North America, Hawaii, and Panama tends to drive Chinese to seek some other outlet for their business energies, and the increase of legitimate trade between Peru and Hongkong will promote the prosperity of the Colony and of the Kwong Tung Province.
I have etc.,
(sd.) A. W. Erwin,
Registrar-General.