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help in competition with the water route.
The present rate
(c) Cheaper fares should be charged.
between Canton and Hong Kong cannot be considered as high,
but the late increase from two dollars to two dollars sixty
cents for the second class is of doubtful benefit to the rail-
way. The fares charged for all classes should be lower than
those charged by steamers so as to entice passengers to the
railway. A reduction off the present rates of twenty conts
for the second class and ten cents for the third class would
be of great advantage and lead to considerable increase of
revenue,
(a) The question of baggage facilities is another matter
which requires to be tackled as this has presently a great
effect on the growth of passenger traffic. The line in Hong
Kong terminates in Kowloon and passengers for Hong Kong itself
have to find their way across the harbour. Passengers with
heavy baggage invariably choose the water route so as to avoid
this transference across the harbour. The following is a
suggestion which, if carried out properly, will remedy this
disadvantageous position.
The wharf coolies both in Hong Kong and Canton have in
late years become most unreasonable. Baggage is carried up
the wharf at exhorbitant charges, especially should it belong
to ladies or elderly persons. It is suggested that the rail-
way should provide a launch for the conveyance of passengers
baggage between Kowloon and Hong Kong to a wharf constructed
at a convenient point along the Hong Kong water front, where
the baggage could be received from, or delivered to, its
Owners. It might also be advisable to consider the question
of tho delivery of baggage, by truck, at the owners' homes
on payment of a reasonable fee for the service.
7.