CO129-271 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1896 [1-4] — Page 554

1 follows:-

1.

Every steamer must have a

posinger satificate.

2. Before

can be obtained',

ai

every

enigration licence

vessel must have

a certain cubical capacity of boots un- der davits, and be provided with life Rafts and Balts according to the num= ber of souls on board _ one belt for

person.

each

to

We beg most respectfully submit that, while trese Regulations care be enforced most equitably in stong Kong, being - a British Colony and the Governme

rout having full control over all vessels frequenting its waters, their application in Treaty Ports, only to ver

sel flying a most injurious effect

the British flag, will have

terests.

err

British in.

It must be remembered

that Her Majestys Government is the

one that has considered it necessary

fo

onig

for

to frame rules

the regulation of Colonial trade, and consequently

all 551

stamers of alien nations can carry

passengers without let or lundrance pran the Treaty Pork, whereas British oroned vessels will be put to considerable expense

before they

trade.

CAIX

engage

in the same

a

Profits of the Eastern carrying trade have been reduced by competition, to the lowest level, and earnings from wayside ports

are counted upon to assist final results. The cost of fitting up steamer of, say, 1,200 four net register with life saving gear is very heavy, to which must be added expenses connected with othrining a passinger artificate; if -

are forced to incur this expenditure, they will be unable to compete against their foreign rivals, and must eventually drop out of the trade. The Harbour Master's Statistics this

year will show a considerable increase in

German

British croved vessels