4 cents an ounce instead of at so much for each letter
according to weight. This reduced rate was allowed in
405
recognition of the fact that the amount of service rendered
by the official postal system was less than in the case of
ordinary letters.
3.
This system is of ancient standing
and was tolerated because the British Postal Agency at
Canton was unable, and the Imperial Chinese Post Office
made no attempt, to deal with the distribution of Chinese
correspondence in Canton and its vicinity.
4
The operations of the Imperial
Chinese Post Office system have now been extended to such
a degree that it is in a position to effect the delivery
which is now carried out by private agencies, and that
Post Office has now invited this Government to co-operate
in doing away with the "hong system".
5.
With a view therefore to determin-
-ing that system as far as the despatch of letters to
Canton is concerned I have decided to open a Branch Post
Office in a position near the wharves used by the steamers
plying between this Colony and Canton. The expenditure
involved by this branch office is made up as follows:-
Rent