!
10
of such a suggestion.
11.
234
I venture to hope also that while the
present situation obtains in South China the fleet will
spend more of its time in Hongkong, where the main British
interests in the Far East are centred.
Had the strike occurred during the summer,
when the fleet would have been away, the situation would
have been very much more embarrassing and might have
become very serious indeed.
9.
This despatch has already assumed excessive
proportions but I cannot close it without bringing to your
notice the excellent work of certain members of the Govern-
ment service. The officers of the Government service as a
whole in common with members of the unofficial community
have done so well during the strike period that it is
almost invidious to single out any of them for special
praise. I may mention the names of Mr. T. L. Perkins,
Director of Public Works, and Commander C. W. Beckwith, the
Harbour Master, who have done admirable work in connection with the organisation of transport and in matters relating to the harbour and shipping respectively; and also of Mr. H. P. Winslow, the Manager of the Railway, who with his staff grappled successfully with an unprecedented rush of business caused by the enormous passenger traffic to
Canton.
I desire, however, especially to record my deep sense of obligation to Mr. E. R. Hallifax, 0.B.E.,the Secretary for Chinese Affairs, and Mr. A. G. M. Fletcher, C.B.E., the Assistant Colonial Secretary and Clerk of
Councils.
Mr. Hallifax has worked indefatigably as an
intermediary in the negotiations between the shipowners and the men. He has worked literally day and night and
has shown an amount of tact, patience and sound sense which