140
W
513
to which attention has been already called namely the
anomaly of divided muuthority greated by the proposed
logielation, and the friction it will tend to produce
between the Fongong authorities and His Majesty'a con--
sular offioow in Ohiın. The longtong desuty registrer
will be intent on gathering feee for the Colonial exchequer
and will be anxious to register as many oozpanies as
possible, while the Sonetil-General will be more concerned
with the duty of chooking the incorporation of coupan joe
to which for any reason it may seem dosirable that British
protection should not be given.
Under this conflict of
intereete there is some reason to fear the perpetuat ion
of the laxity which has long obtained regarding the regia-
tration of British companies in China, and which has placed
the Lazat ion and the Consulates in the eŭarrassing
position or having to refuse protection to companies
olatring it, under Hongkong oort 17iostee
of incorporation.
The settlement of this question is awaited with
anxiety by the downeroial community of China, and I
vanture to exazase the hope that instead of inviting the
Hongkong Goverment to mend their legislation in aosor-
dance
j