54
32
5. In support of this application my Board wishes it to be emphasized that although it is true that four years ago the nominal share capital was doubled by the issue to members of bonus shares it has to be remembered that
was only after the drastic writing-off, in 1910, of no less than three-fourths of the original capital, that the company-8 years after commencing operation-was able to declare dividends. Further, ten years hence this Company will be required (as pointed out to you at our interview on the 12th instant) under the terms of the Tramway Ordinance to hand over to the Government one quarter of its annual profits.
6. This was part of the contract fixed up in 1902 between the promoters of the Tramway Company and the Government, the Tramway Company contracting to provide public transportation between Shaukiwan and Kennedy Town. The only pos- sible route for them was the present tram route and the only reasonable vehicle was the electric tram. By the end of 1924 however it became apparent to the Company that some of the traffic which it had created and developed could, with advantage to all be more expeditiously handled in Queen's Road which, owing to the peculiar form- ation of the Colony is the shortest and most direct route between Causeway Bay and Whitty Street.
7. An application was therefore made to Government to permit the Com- pany to introduce either trolley vehicles or motor buses into Queen's Road. This was refused on the grounds that Queen's Road was too narrow. Another application was made 2 years later but with no further success.
8. On February 24th, 1928 the Board-having become convinced that the Government did contemplate a motor bus service along Queen's Road-caused a letter to be sent to the Captain Superintendent of Police stating that this Company intended to purchase 6 buses and that these would be run on such route or routes as might be agreed with the Government. In view of Mr. Wolfe's reply, however, these buses were not ordered. Copies of these two letters are attached.
9. It is submitted that by refusing our application to operate buses along Queen's Road for reasons which are no longer valid and, further, by allowing a com- peting company to work this most vital route which is close to and parallel with (where it is not actually along) the tram route and which consequently taps the same area Government has unconsciously impaired the value of the Tramway Undertaking and disturbed the framework on which the Tramway Ordinance 1902 was built.
10. My Board trusts therefore that you will favourably consider this applica- tion and will now authorise us to operate motor buses along Queen's Road.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
33
Enclosure No. (4a).
THE HON. THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, HONG KONG.
SIR,
HONG KONG TRAMWAYS, LIMITED.
HONG KONG, June 11th, 1929.
QUEEN'S ROAD BUS SERVICE.
I am directed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors to enquire as to when we may expect a reply to our letter of March 14th last.
I am to add that if the Government is still unable to send us a considered reply to the letter referred to, it will suit the immediate purpose of the Board if an approximate date can be given when such reply can be confidently expected.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your obedient servant,
(sd.) L. C. F. BELLAMY, General Manager,
HONG KONG TRAMWAYS, LIMITED.
Enclosure No. (5).
No. 591/1917.
Sir,
COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,
HONG KONG, 17th June, 1929.
I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated the 11th of June, 1929, on the subject of the Queen's Road Bus service, and to inform you that the matter is still under consideration, but that a reply will be sent as soon as possible, probably not later than next month.
I am,
Sir,
(sd.) L.C.F. BELLAMY, General Manager,
HONG KONG TRAMWAYS LIMITED.
THE GENERAL MANAGER,
HONG KONG TRAMWAYS, LIMITED,
HONG KONG.
Your obedient servant,
(sd.) D. W. TRATMAN, Colonial Secretary.
58