W. & S. Ltd.—16879—6,000--10-07.
-26993-6,000-1-08. -
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average,
we would be prepared to increase the number of watchmen
if the Government considered this necessary.
The second reason given by the local authorities,
that there is ample storage for our goods in the new
magazines erected by the Government carries even less weight than
the first. Nobel's Explosives Company's magazines on One
Tree Island are in perfect condition, and as they were erected
to meet the particular requirements of the Hong Kong trade at an
expenditure of £1,112, the fact that Government storage is now
available does not seem to be an adequate reason why the lease of
One Tree Island should not be renewed, and Nobel's Company refused
the use of these expensive buildings.
It would be a very great hardship if a renewal of this
lease were refused, and we respectfully submit that so long as we
maintain our magazines and attend to One Tree Island to the satis-
faction of the Local Authorities the lease should be renewed.
As the present lease expires within the next two months
it is imperative that this matter be promptly dealt with, and we
would suggest that the Secretary of State for the Colonies should
telegraph to the Governor of Hong Kong recommending a renewal of the lease
for 5 years at least.