- 2.-
and also of a site. The Committee were informed that
unless unforeseen circumstances occurred an area between
the Railway and the Harbour which they considered suitable
for the purpose could be made available free of charge.
The amount suggested by the Committee as a suitable grant
was $5,000 but before reaching a decision on this point I
asked the Committee to obtain the views of probable
exhibitors on the whole project and to put forward definite
proposals.
4.
The matter was thereafter considered at
length by the General and Chinese Chambers of Commerce with
the advice and assistance of Mr. Pelham, His Majesty's
Trade Commissioner.
put forward by Mr. T.A. Randell, formerly of the Straits
Settlements Government Service, who has had considerable
experience in the organization of such exhibitions.
5.
The Chambers had before them a scheme
Unfortunately the response of the local
mercantile community was found to be extremely disappointing.
Of the firms approached nine only showed any enthusiasm for
the project while eleven others promised their support
though somewhat unwillingly. The rest definitely declined
to participate on the ground that their business would
receive no benefit.
b.
The principal reasons given in explanation of
the failure to secure adequate support were the following:-
Staple articles of trade such as flour, sugar
and textiles find their way into China by definite channels
Business in these goods would not be affected by
of trade.
an exhibition.
Manufacturers in the United Kingdom while they
would be ready to supply samples would expect the local
importer to bear the cost of renting and fitting up stalls.
5