CO129-271 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1896 [1-4] — Page 535

i

vernment acting through the Imperial Maritime Custoas.' 532

If restrictions are imposed the traffic will go to the ships of

the nation whose Consuls are least conscientious, and some of the

Consuls might be also the Agents for the steaners.'

If legislation is insisted on, suggests that

(1) One passenger be allowed for every two tons of registered

tonnage.

(2) If this number is to be exceeded, the British Consul may

.

iosue a licence after satisfying himself that there is suffi

cient deck room and shelter.

(3) That regular emigration steamers may be given an annual

emigration licence to carry one passenger to each ten in

voyages under 300 miles after giving ample proof as to

accomodation etc., and furnishing a tond to abide by cer-

tain conditions.'

States that inspection before each voyage is at many ports in-

practicable, and if insisted on would cause the vessel concerned

to te tabooed by the passage brokers.

3.Tamsui Consul,

Thinks that all that is necessary is to have the deck passenger

Clause of Ordinance 28 of 1391 carried into effectat Aaoy

and Tansul. That considerable discretion should be allowed to

Her Britannic Majesty's Consuls at the various Treaty Ports + as

the conditions vary greatly at different Ports. That the effect

of strict regulations would probably te to transfer the traffic

to the flags of Powers

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China included whose consular or