1887-1903
25
283
All the islands situated within those boundaries are within the leased area, as are all the waters of Mirs Bay and Deep Bay.
And whereas Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to appoint me as Governor of the said territory, and whereas it is desirable that British and Chinese territory should be clearly defined, so that the friendly relations now existing between the two nations may be always maintained.
Now therefore I have fixed the 17th day of April, 1899, as the date on which the British Flag shall be hoisted and the administration of the territory be taken over by duly authorized British Officers.
To remove any cause for suspicion in your minds as to the good intentions of the British Government, and to prevent you from being deceived and misled through ignorance by false reports disseminated by lawless persons who may seek to further their own interests by thus causing trouble, it is right for me to warn you against such persons, and to assure you that all the inhabitants residing within the limits of British territory will be permitted to follow undisturbed their lawful occupations, whatever they may be.
I would also impress upon you that this territory, having been leased by His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of China to Her Britannic Majesty the Queen, as subjects of Her Majesty's Empire, your commercial and landed interests will be safeguarded, and that your usages and good customs will not in any way be interfered with.
It is the wish of Her Majesty the Queen that all her subjects in every part of the world shall be prosperous and happy, and it will be my duty to assist you to improve your position by every means in my power. The most respected of your elders will be chosen to assist in the management of your village affairs, to secure peace and good order and the punishment of evil-doers. I expect you to obey the laws that are made for your benefit, and all persons who break the law will be punished severely.
It will be necessary for you to register without delay your titles for the land occupied by you, that the true owners may be known. Should any land be required for public purposes it will be paid for at its full value.
Remember that as subjects of the Great British Empire oppression is assured. Should you have any complaint to always be willing to hear it and to order what is right. All must render implicit obedience.
Dated this 9th day of April, 1899.
Your perfect freedom from injustice will be maintained. There will be no laxity in the administration of justice. The Governor will be willing to hear any complaint and make the necessary corrections.
Appendix No. XII.
Report by Mr. Ford, Superintendent, Botanical and Afforestation Department.
Shortly after the territory came under the control of the Government of this Colony, steps were taken for rearing trees for planting in such places as needed them, and subsequently an estimate was submitted for the expenditure of $2,500 during 1900 in forestry works in the territory, current expenses for 1899 being defrayed from other votes of this Department. Commencing in April and continuing throughout the year, I personally made tours over the greater part of the territory in order to gain as much knowledge of it as possible, for application afterwards, and to arrange for planting operations during 1900. Up to the end of December, about 60,000 pits and sites had been prepared at Táipó, Ping-shán, Au T'au, and Fu-ti Au, and along the course of the new road. The planting of trees and seed sowing will commence immediately.
His Excellency the Governor suggested that some Chattanooga Sugar Mills should be obtained from America to demonstrate to the sugar growers the advantages of using Western machinery in place of the primitive mills in use. The new mills have arrived
Page 290
Page 291
1887-1903
25
283
All the islands situated within those boundaries are within the leased area, as are all the waters of Mirs Bay and Deep Bay.
And whereas Her Majesty has been graciously pleased to appoint me as Governor of the said territory, and whereas it is desirable that British and Chinese territory should be clearly defined, so that the friendly relations now existing between the two nations may be always maintained.
Now therefore I have fixed the 17th day of April, 1899, as the date on which the British Flag shall be hoisted and the administration of the territory be taken over by duly authorized British Officers.
To remove any cause for suspicion in your minds as to the good intentions of the British Government, and to prevent you from being deceived and misled through ignorance by false reports disseminated by lawless persons who may seek to further their own interests by thus causing trouble, it is right for me to warn you against such persons, and to assure you that all the inhabitants residing within the limits of British territory will be permitted to follow undisturbed their lawful occupations, whatever they may be.
I would also impress upon you that this territory, having been leased by His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of China to Her Britannic Majesty the Queen, as subjects of Her Majesty's Empire, your commercial and landed interests will be safe- guarded, and that your usages and good customs will not in any way be interfered
with.
It is the wish of Her Majesty the Queen that all her subjects in every part of the world shall be prosperous and happy, and it will be my duty to assist you to improve your position by every means in my power. The most respected of your elders will be chosen to assist in the management of your village affairs, to secure. peace and good order and the punishment of evil-doers. I expect you to obey the laws that are made for your benefit, and all persons who break the law will be punished severely.
:
It will be necessary for you to register without delay your titles for the land occupied by you, that the true owners may be known. Should any land be required for public purposes it will be paid for at its full value.
Remember that as subjects of the Great British Empire oppression is assured. Should you have any complaint to always be willing to hear it and to order what is right. allowed, nor any laxity in the administration of justice. obedience.
Dated this 9th day of April, 1899.
your perfect freedom from make the Governor will There will be no injustice All must render implicit
Appendix No. XII.
Report by Mr. Ford, Superintendent, Botanical and Afforestation Department.
Shortly after the territory came under the control of the Government of this Colony steps were taken for rearing trees for planting in such places as needed them, and subsequently an estimate was submitted for the expenditure of $2,500 during 1900 in forestry works in the territory, current expenses for 1899 being defrayed from other votes of this Department. Commencing in April and continuing throughout the year, I personally made tours over the greater part of the territory in order to gain as much knowledge of it as possible, for application afterwards, and to arrange for planting operations during 1900. Up to the end of December about 60,000 pits and sites had been prepared at Táipó, Ping-shán, Au T'au and Fu-ti Au, and along the course of the new road. The planting of trees and seed sowing will commence immediately.
His Excellency the Governor suggested that some Chattanooga Sugar Mills should be obtained from America to demonstrate to the sugar growers the advantages of using Western machinery in place of the primitive mills in use. The new mills have arrived
Page 290Page 291
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