02.
No.847/1917.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE,
Hongkong,
6th May, 1918.
561
sir,
I have the honour to forward the enclosed copy of a
report by the Harbour Master regarding the question of licences issued to emigrant ships at Hongkong and the China Coast Ports respectively.
2. The methods of measurement adopted in Hongkong are similar to those of the Board of Trade, and all measurements are made by the Goverment Marine Surveyor. It is understood
that at the Coast Porte the measurements are taken by
such surveyor as the Emigration Officer may find available.
3. It would seem advisable to have a uniform practice
in the matter, and I would suggest for Your Excellency's consideration that, so long as no official and independent measurer is attached to the Coast Port Emigration Offices, the measurement of all ships for purposes of Emigration Licences should be done by the Government Marine Surveyor
in Hongkong. There is no practical difficulty in arranging this.
P
I have, etc..
(SD) H. F. May,
Governor, &c.
His Excellency
The Right Honourable
Sir John N. Jordan,G.C.I.E., K.C.B., K.C.M.G.,
His Britannic Majesty's Finister
PEKING.