T
!
sir.
C.O.
41192
221
Hengtong General Chamber of Commerce,
RECO REGo 26 OCT 14
Hongkong,
1st September, 1914.
TELEGRAPHIC RATES.
I have the honour to draw the attention of Government
to the fact that whilst Code Lessages" are at present not
accepted by the Eastern Extension and Great Northern Telegraph
Companies for transmission to Europe and America, and local
merchants and others are compelled to telegraph at great length
in "Plain Fanguage", the Telegraph Companies have not reduced
their rates.
This is, of course, a tremendous handicap on commerce,
and practically prohibits the sending of enquiries which might
(and usually to a considerable extent) result in business.
ly Committee are of opinion that while such conditions
are being enforced, the rates should be considerably reduced in the real interests of the Colony, and would beg of you to put
the position before His Excellency the Governor whose intervent- ion on behalf of the business community would be highly appre-
ciated.
The Honourable
The Colonial Secretary,
Hongkong.
I have, etc.
Sd.
E. A. M. Williams
Secretary.