CO129-246 - Acting Governor Fleming - 1890 [8-9] — Page 641

lines of steamers leaving Hong Kong carry Surgeons, which and if these P.O. Steamers are excused, then the sick men must remain on Board of Trade expense for opportunity by live or which by are arv the Blue funnel of the few P. & O. Steamers so-called direct."

As to deciding the "clearance this is not question by practicable. The P. & O. and other Mail Steamers by virtue of privilege dating back about 25 years do not clear at all from Hongkong unless they are Emigrant Ships - and not one other vessel.

Of fifty clears for United Kingdom, with few exceptions, they clear for their first port of call. The Mail Steamers remain at Bombay about one week, and then continue their voyage.

I submit that this is not a new voyage, if it were, they would have to make a fresh agreement with their crew, and what is to be said about the advertisement which appears each fortnight about their Mail Steamers issued by the Superintendent? It is clearly stated the P. & O. Steamers will be despatched from this port for London via Bombay, and again in subsequent paragraph "Cargo for London will be conveyed via Bombay". To my knowledge, they have taken homeward bound passengers from Hongkong.

I think the Superintendent of P. & O. should be told that, as it is a matter of Imperial and Colonial importance, they had better address the Board of Trade on the subject. If this does not meet with approval, then I suggest that the P. & O. contention be admitted.