C
Sir,
Sub-enclosure 4 to Endl. 5.
0.0
10613 RESP
CHINA ASSOCIATION. TRE 16 MAY 06!
31, Lontard Street, London, E.C.
31st. January, 1898.
554
A
I have the honour to submit for your favourable con- -sideration a letter from the Shanghai Branch of the China Associa-
tion, protesting against certain restrictions which the Govern -ment of Hong-Kong contemplates imposing ty Ordinance on the Carriage of Passengers in British Ships on the China Coast.
The Hong-Kong tranch of the Association has tele- -graphed mdorsing this protest, and the General Committee desire to express entire accord with views which they believe to be shared by Her Majesty's Consuls in China.
Power to legislate by Ordinance for the control of British shipping in Chinese waters was conferred on the Hong-Kong Government by what is: commonly known as the Chinese Passenger Act of 1355. The convenience of centering such action in a local Avthority was obvious and the local knowleige procured by Unoffi- +cial Menters of the Legislative Council might ensure consideration being pail to local conditions. A further check was, moreover, provided by the obligation to submit all ordinances for confirma- -tion by the Imperial Government before they recome law.
The chief objects of the Chinese Passenger Act appear
to bave teen to prevent atuse of Chinese enigration to distant countrag
and to provide for the safety of passengers. It applies to British
ships proceeding whether from Hong Kong or the Treaty Ports of Chi-
na- on a voyage of seven days duration, and it empowers the Governog of Hong Kong to declare whether a specific voyage come within its provisions.
A voyage of seven lays was evidently considered a
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