Report of the Committee of the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce for the Year ending 31st December, 1876, presented to the Members at the Yearly General Meeting held on Monday, February 12th, 1877.
The Committee beg to place before the Members of the Chamber, the following Report of their proceedings for the year ending 31st December, 1876.
The Blockade of the Port of Hongkong by Chinese Customs' Cruizers.
The hopes expressed in the last Annual Report that satisfactory results would be shortly attained respecting this long pending question, have made some progress towards realisation. Under the Convention concluded between Great Britain and China at Chefoo, on September 13th, 1876, it has been arranged that a Chinese Official, a British Consul, and an Official selected by the Hongkong Government shall meet to discuss, and, if possible, satisfactorily arrange, the points at issue.
Parliamentary Papers, just published, containing official correspondence and documents connected with the Blockade, amply prove the correctness of the statements put forward, from time to time, by this Chamber, even Her Britannic Majesty's Consul at Canton admitting (contrary to all his previous statements in defence of the Blockade), that extra and excessive duties were irregularly levied on the trade of the Colony. It is to be hoped that steps will now be taken to bring about an early and satisfactory settlement. The Committee, however, have grave doubts of a successful issue, as they learn with regret, that Her Majesty's Minister at Peking has appointed Sir BROOKE ROBERTSON a member of the Blockade commission; for all the discussions which have taken place on this vexed question clearly indicate that Her Majesty's Consul at Canton is at one with the Chinese on the subject, and that he has thus far been their advocate and apologist.
[Correspondence on this subject will be found in Appendix 4.]
(15)
Opening of the Ports of Hoihow (K'iung-Chow) in Hainan, and of Haiphong in Tonquin.
An advantageous opportunity presenting itself for a visit to these ports early in the year, the Secretary was instructed to proceed thither, and report upon their trade capabilities. He accordingly left on the 22nd March, and returned after an absence of one month. His report has been already placed in the hands of Members, and nothing has since transpired to materially affect the conclusions therein stated. Both ports will probably, in the course of time, become centres of a moderate trade; but under present circumstances, improvement must necessarily be slow. Were the working of the mines known to exist permitted, it would no doubt tend to develop them more rapidly.
Opening of Pakhoi.
The Committee note with satisfaction, that amongst the ports to be opened to Trade under the Chefoo Convention, is that of Pakhoi. Although but little is accurately known of its capabilities, its repute amongst the Chinese bears testimony to its trade activity. It is however right to add that recent reports from European visitors describe Pakhoi as but a small town containing not more than some 10,000 inhabitants. Its importance in Chinese eyes probably arises from its proximity to the important prefectural city of Leen-chow-foo and its convenience as a landing place for goods passing to the interior. The local business is described as having materially fallen off during the past three years, owing to additional exactions on the part of the native authorities. As a port, it is undoubtedly superior to any other known to Europeans on the South Coast.
Telegraphic Tariffs.
In pursuance of the Resolution passed at the last Annual Meeting, the Committee have addressed letters to the Home Directors of the Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company, and of the Great Northern Telegraph Company, copies of which will be found in the Appendix, together with the answers received, (Appendix B). Although no reduction of the tariff has followed, the recommendations put forth by the Committee, it is hoped, will not be without effect.
In August last, a despatch was received from the Honourable the Colonial Secretary, covering a letter from the Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company.
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Report of the Committee of the Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce for the Year ending 31st December, 1876, presented to the Members at the Yearly General Meeting held on Monday, February 12th, 1876.
The Committee beg to place before the Members of the Chamber, the following Report of their proceedings for the year ending 31st December, 1876,
The Blockade of the Port of Hongkong by Chinese Customs' Cruizers.
The hopes expressed in the last Annual Report that satisfactory results would be shortly attained respecting this long pending question, have made some progress towards realisation. Under the Convention concluded between. Great Britain and China at Chefoo, on September 18th, 1876, it has been arranged that a Chinese Official, a British Consul, and an Official selected by the Hongkong Government shall meet to discuss, and, if possible, satis. factorily arrange, the points at issue.
Parliamentary Papers, just published, containing official correspondence and documents connected with the Blockade, amply prove the correctness of the statements put forward, from time to time, by this Chamber, oven Her Britannic Majesty's Consul at Canton admitting (contrary to all bis previous statements in defence of the Blockade), that extra and excessive duties were irregularly levied on the trade of the Colony. It is to be hoped that steps will now be taken to bring about an early and satisfactory settlement. The Committee, however, have grave doubts of a successful issue, as they learn with regret, that Her Majesty's Minister at Peking has appointed Sir BROOKE ROBERTSON a member of the Blockade commission; for all the discussions which have taken place on this vexed question clearly indicate that Her Majesty's Consul at Canton is at one with the Chinese on the subject, and that he has thus far been their advocate and apologist.
[Correspondence on this subject will be found in Appendix 4.
( 15 )
Opening of the Ports of Hoihow (K'iung-Chow) in Hainan, and of Haiphong in Tonquin.
Au advantageous opportunity presenting itself for a visit to these ports early in the year, the Secretary was instructed to proceed thither, and report upon their tradal capabilities. He accordingly left on the 22nd March, and returned after an absence of one month. His report has been already placed in the hands of Members, and nothing has since transpired to materially affect the conclusions therein stated. Both ports will probably, in the course of time, become centres of a moderate trade; but under present eircumstances, improvement must necessarily be slow. Were the working of the mines known to exist permitted, it would no doubt tend to develope them more rapidly.
Opening of Pakhoi.
The Committee note with satisfaction, that amongst the ports to be opened to Trade under the Chefoo Convention, is that of Pakhoi. Although but little is accurately known of its capabilities, its repute amongst the Chinese bears testimony to its tradal activity. It is however right to add that recent reports from European visitors describe Pakhoi as but a small town containing not more than some 10,000 inhabitants. Its importance in Chinese eyes probably arises from its proximity to the important prefectural city of Leen-chow-foo and its convenience as a landing place for goods passing to the interior. The local business is described as having materially fallen off during the past three years, owing to additional exactions on the part of the native authorities. As a port, it is undoubtedly superior to any other known to Europeaus on the South Coast.
Telegraphic Tariffs.
In pursuance of the Resolution passed at the last Annual Meeting, the Committee have addressed letters to the Home Directors of the Eastern Extension Australasia and China Telegraph Company, and of the Great Northern Telegraph Company, copies of which will be found in the Appendix, together with the answers received, (Appendix B.). Although no roduction of the tariff has followed, the recommendations put forth by the Committee, it is hoped, will not be without effect.
In August last, a despatch was received from the Honourable the Colonial Secretary, covering a letter from the Eastern Extension Australasia and
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