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SUNDAY LABOR IN HONGKONG HARBOUR.
from the Chamber of Commerce and the leading merchants were certainly not of an encouraging nature. He consulted both the Governors when they were in England, in order to ascertain whether any compromise could be effected, but he regretted to say that he found no compromise was possible. He was distinctly opposed to compulsory legislation on this point-viz., forcing against the views of the unofficial members legislation by an official vote. The case of Australia, which had been referred to, was very different. In the first place, as in other colonies where there was a Custom-house, Sunday labour could be prevented indirectly by closing the Custom-house, but in Hongkong and Singapore, Custom-houses did not exist. He was not aware that in Australia any Act prohibiting Sunday labour was in force, The working men themselves had declined to work on Sunday, and indirectly secured for themselves freedom from work on that day, but he was not aware that there was any direct legislation on the point. He did not think anything could be done in this particular branch of labour unless it could be obtained by the voluntary unanimity upon the subject of the members of the Chamber of Commerce and the leading merchants in the colonies, and of the leading merchants here who had partners or agents in the colonies. In that way pressure might be put on local legislatures, and ultimately some measure might be introduced which would put an end to Sunday labour. But at present he did not think there was that feeling in the colony which would justify compulsory legislation.
THE EARL OF HARROWBY said that he did not see why legislation on this subject should be possible in Australia and not in the Crown colonies. He would suggest to his right hon. friend, that he should address inquiries to the Governors of all the colonies, Crown and self-governing, as to the existing practice. The feeling among the seamen was rising very high on the question of Sunday labour.
LORD KNUTSFORD said that he should have great pleasure in adopting the suggestion of the noble Earl.
The subject then dropped.-" Times," London.
Sent in to Governor, November 9th, 1888.
To His Excellency Sir WILLIAM DES VEUX, K.C.M.G., Governor and Commander-in-chief of the Colony of Hongkong and its Dependencies, and Vice-Admiral of the same.
We, the undersigned, employed in connection with the shipping in the port of Hongkong, ashore or afloat, respectfully beg Your Excellency's consideration to the following facts:- 1.---Hongkong, with be exception of Singapore and Penang, is the only port under the British flag where
Sunday labour in the shape of discharging and loading cargo is permitted without any restriction. 2.-The necessity of a seventh day of rest has for centuries been recognised by the laws and customs of our
own Country.
3. Although the absence of restriction on Sunday work in this port presses very hardly upon us, as it deprives us of that which Englishmen have learnt to look upon as their just right, we are, nevertheless, powerless from our position to do otherwise than submit.
4.--Whereas in some cases the Shipping Owners at home do not encourage or absolutely prohibit the working of their ships on Sunday, we are practically compelled to work in this port, on account of the excessive competition.
5. The Sunday labour shows a tendency to increase. And thus not only are officers on board ship deprived of their day of rest, but also many of us are compelled to work in our offices ashore and elsewhere all the year round.
Having regard to these facts, and bearing in mind that restriction would be by no means unprecedented, -witness for instance intermediate ports of call in Australia and Coast ports in China,your petitioners humbly submit that the time has now arrived when some decisive step may be taken, and respectfully solicit that their day of rest may be assured them by legislation or otherwise.
(Over 600 signatures of masters, officers, and clerks engaged in Shipping offices).
SUNDAY LABOR IN HONGKONG HARBOUR.
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BRITISH MERCANTILE MARINE OFFICERS' ASSOCIATION.
[Reprint from "The Hongkong Telegraph" of the 8th September, 1890.]
THE PRESIDENT ON THE SUNDAY Labour QUESTION.
A special meeting of the British Mercantile Marine Officers' Association was held at the Mariue Hotel, Praya West, on Saturday evening, the 6th instant, when Captain Samuel Ashton, the President, delivered à very interesting address upon the much-vexed question of Sunday labour. There were present, in addition to local members of the Association, representatives of the Australian and Shanghai Officers' Associations.
The Secretary, Mr. Chesney Duncan, having read the bye-laws respecting the conduct of meetings, and a list of those who had been appointed, by ballot, members of the General Committee-
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Captain Ashton, who on rising was greeted with hearty applause, said- Gentlemen, to-night I am going to give you my ideas upon the much-vexed question of Sunday labour on board ships in this harbour, a question which the Rev A. G. Goldsmith has striven so hard to settle in a manner beneficial to all seafaring men. I, myself, believe in the fourth Commandment, and I think that those who rigidly obey it will be healthier, wealthier and wiser in the end. intend to review this question to-night in all its bearings, in as far as I am able to. The question has become one of great, and I may say burning, importance not only to us out here but also to thousands of our fellows at home. I've already said that the Rev. Mr. Goldsmith has worked very industriously with a view to causing a cessation of needless Sunday labour in this port of Hongkong. He drew up a lengthy petition upon the subject, and obtained the signatures to it of the great majority of captains and officers frequenting this port, as also the autographs of a great number of residents on shore. This petition he presented to our Governor, Sir William Des Voeux, and from what we now learn by recent home advices, it is patent that Sir William bas given the matter his earnest consideration. According to these advices, we find that Sir William Des Voeux has been in communication with the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Lord Knutsford, as also with Sir Cecil Smith, the Governor of the Straits Settlements, who, by the way, is well-known to all old residents of this Colony. I am quite sure that these experienced statesmen have thoroughly weighed this important question But ---a question which seriously affects every member of this Association. notwithstanding all that has been done, we find that their Excellencies have come to the conclusion that it is not wise to introduce compulsory legislation at the present time. This is a great disappointment to us as a body of officers, for we reasonably expected, or rather hoped, that our appeal would result in decisive and much-to-be-desired action by Her Majesty's Government. However, the reverse is the case, and as obedient subjects of Her Majesty we must virtually abide by their decision, although differing from them in our opinions. Now, Mr. Goldsmith having done his utmost, backed by the unanimous approval of British officers, we consider that we have a right to do the best we can for ourselves--joint action having failed-this Association having been formed with the express object of maintaining the proper dignity of the profession and improving the condition of its members, morally, socially and intellectually. I say again, we, as an Association of certificated British officers, have a perfect right to do the best we can for ourselves.
How to Act.
I counsel you to discuss amongst yourselves the advisability of asking your owners to give you extra (double) pay for extra labour on Sunday. I consider you
in have a right to do so. Not that you wish thereby to put this extra pay your
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