CO129-171 - Acting Governor Austin - 1875 [7-11] -- Sir Kennedy - 1875 [12] — Page 601

No reason has been given for relieving the Company of the charge which has been made against them in accordance with an arrangement to which they agreed and by which unquestionably they benefited to a large degree.

I have the honor to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's most obedient humble servant.

Indian Martin, Administrator.

Memorandum of Correspondence regarding Shore Allowance to Marine Sorters.

The P.O. is bound by its Contract to have a Naval or Civil Officer on board its ships & to provide for the maintenance (with servant) of "Passenger", as also in Port when Cabin accommodation requires it.

In 1869 M. Mitchell, P.O., London, stopped the shore allowance to Jan 23 to P.M.G. Marine sorter because they have both Naval Officer and sorter. They appeal, because sorters were led to understand they would have such allowance. Colonial Government has been at heavy expense already, cannot ask for more. London Sorters receive allowance at cheaper ports than Singapore. 10/- per day was allowed at Shanghai, but now Sorters are lodged &c on board, which is as convenient.

In 1869, P.O. London, Shore allowance to Naval Agents at Singapore from March 24 to M. Mitchell, and to London Sorters elsewhere are paid by Post Office, not P. Co. Company justly consider they are not called on to provide for sorter on shore. Shanghai arrangement cannot be interfered with.

The matter here dropped and the Allowance was not renewed.

In 1872 M.W. Mitchell, Naval Agents, now no longer employed, Shanghai May 31 to P.O. Mails sorted in this office, so P. Co relieved London from Hong Kong - Shanghai sorters. This has put Local Government to expense of building &c. Cannot ask for more - will P.O. Co renew allowance?