2

62

A

2. There was no objection to the engagement of another

crew from the Seamen's Union to replace the strikers.

3. The provision of a social Hall" should be considered

favourably by the Company, and the Union so informed. condition should be that the fall should not be used for

political purposes, and that it should be subject to

ship's discipline through the Captain of the ship.

His Excellency stated that should these decisions lead

directly to a strike or boycott against the Company, he would guarantee the ordi ary Trading losses of the ships

operating under the management of the Steamboat Company

for the month of April; it being clearly understood that

this guarantee did not cover the possibility that other

circumstances might supervene which of themselves might have the effect of hindering or of closing down the opera- tions of the Company. It was further understood that

the Company, subject to legal advice, would enforce the

conditions of their contract with Mr. Wu Hay Tong. It

was the opinion of the Directors that Nu was liable

under his farming" contract provided the ships ran from wharf to wharf, even if they ran empty.

His Excellency also promised to represent the matter to the Imperial Government, and to recommend that finan- dial assistance should be afforded to the Company in its struggle with the Canton Seamen's Union.

Sir R. Ho Tung said during the meeting that, if there

were a strike prolonged for more than a month in the above recited circumstances he would guarantee the trading losses during the 2nd month, i.e., May.

H

thiel:

Share This Page