Auod D
9, SUFFOLK STREET,
72
15/9/22
PALL MALL, S. W.1.
ROSE, JOHNSON & HICKS.
J.W.ROSE, M. A.
A.R. ROSE, M. A., B. C. L.
G. B. MOUNTFORD.
TELEPHONE:
WHITEHALL 2993.
TELEGRAMS:
"REFERENDUM, LESQUARE, LONDON"
Sir,
14th September 1934
Hong Kong & China Gas Co Ltd
We act for the above Company incorporated under the Act
of 1856 and whose Registered Office is in London. Its business
is the supply of gas etc in Hong Kong and recently an accident
occurred at the Company's works there resulting in considerable
loss of life and damage to property.
The Company's Officers in Hong Kong have obtained the
Opinion of Counsel there from which the following are extracts:-
"I am asked to advise the Hong Kong & China Gas Company Limited (hereinafter called "the Company") as to whether it is in the position of a Company having statutory powers in view of the letter dated 24th May 1861 addressed to William Glen by the Surveyor-General.
This letter was written on behalf of the Governor of Hong Kong and the agreement come to was sanctioned by the Home Government
"In order to come to a conclusion on the point submitted to me it is necessary to consider (1) the powers of the Governor "
"I have not before me the Letters Patent or Instructions in force in the year 1861 but I have the Letters Patent dated 19th January 1888, the Instructions of the same date and the additional instructions dated 7th July 1896"
"An effort should be made to obtain a copy of the Letters Patent and Instructions in force in 1861. I imagine that if an application was made to the Colonial Secretary he would help in this matter'
"(sgd) Eldon Potter
9/8/34"
The letter referred to is as follows:-