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it is estimated that the trade will continue for many years.
Under the Hong Kong Ordinances the British Mercantile Marine is entirely shut out from participating in this trade,
which seems likely to pass entirely into the hands of German Shipowners and it is hardly necessary for me to point out to your Lordship the extreme improbability, when once the German Mercantile Marine has established itself in the trade, of British ships obtaining any part of it, even though the Hong Kong Ordinances are abrogated at some future date. I submit therefore that this matter is of the greatest urgency to British interests.
There is no question that the Chinese are given better accommodation and are better cared for under British regulations than is the case if they are carried on ships of any other nationality, for the reason that foreign ships are not subject to any such regulations as those contained in the Chinese Passenger Act 1855, so that I venture to submit that it is greatly to the interests of the Chinese coolies themselves that British vessels should not be shut out from the trade.
The Association ventures therefore most seriously to urge your Lordship to take at as early a date as possible such steps as may be necessary to remove this great injustice to British interests.
The Rt. Hon.
The Earl of Elgin, P.C., K.G.,
Secretary of State for the Colonies.
I am, my Lord,
Your Lordship's Obedient Servant,
Naumkeag Shipping Association
Secretary,