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running of through night trains, the duration of transit and, in this connection, the uistance from Bungkung to Kowloon and from Tashatou to this settlement must be borne in mind, and in the absence of such data it is not clear that the railway offers an equal or superior mil service to that at present in vogue.
4本
The present service as given by the river steamers is satisfactory to all concerned. Firma receive their post office mail by 8.30 a.m. and may post mails up till 5 p.m. b. The cessation of the steamer service involves, it is presumed, the abolition of the private letter box system, a matter of vital importance to the commercial community of Canton. The rights of this system have been repeatedly contested by the Chinese Authorities but successfully maintained by the British Government. The letter boxes arrive in the morning at a very convenient hour, between 7 and u a.m. and can be placed on board the steamer as late as 5.10 p.m; they can in squition be sent by the day boats. Further the letter boxes are of special con- venience to Agents of Steamship Companies and shippers generally, as in most cases the river steuner receipts are not received until late in the afternoon, often just before the steamer's departure, and there is consequently not sufficient time to allow of these documents being sent forward by post.
In conclusion I am requested to state that the issue raised by the Hongkong Government gravely affects the commercial interests of the foreign community at Can- ton and I have accordingly the honour to solicit your
earnest consideration of the points above enumerated.
I have, etc,
(signed) Aug. Hetzler
Acting Chairman.