discussed at Hongkong.
My present purpose is to
refer to the Comity factor in the situation.
(a)
It is considered that for many years past
the measurement for tonnage at Hongkong of
certain steamers trading to Canton and the West
River has been incorrectly calculated inasmuch
as their "tween decks" have been excluded from
measurement on the grounds that they are shelters
for deck passengers.
It is maintained that,
according to the letter and/or spirit of the
British Merchant shipping act and of the Board
of Trade instructions to measurera, such
exclusion is not justified.
(b)
With Non-Chinese steam vessels trading on
Chinese Inland waters it is obvious that want
of uniformity of practice in regard to
measurement taken in connection with the
payment of tonnage dues leads to serious
embarrassment.
(c)
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