CO129-312 - Acting Governor Major Gen Sir Gascoigne Governor Sir Blake - 1902 [7-9] — Page 499

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Copy of Resolution passed by the Committee of the Hongkong

General Chamber of Commerce, 16th September, 1902.

Fast Atlantic Service by C.F.I

C. O.

44158

496

Hon. C.3. Sharp (Chairman) proposed that:- Cereas negotiations are now going on between the British and Canadian Governments and the Canadian Pacific Railway company

for the establishment of a fast Passenger and Mail service across the Atlantic between Canada and Great Britain,

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And whereas the Board of Trade of the City of Montreal unanimous- ly endorsed the establishment of such a service at a meeting held on the 29th July last;

And whereas the Canadian Pacific Railway Co, have, for the past twelve years, sucessfully and most creditably operated a ft line of Trans-Facific Steamers, in connection with their great Trans- Continental Railway System, extending, as it does, through Canada, from the Pacific to the Atlantic, thereby benefitting very largely trade relations between China and Japan and the Continent of Ame- rica, and, at the same time, furnishing Eastern Merchants with the most expeditious mail service to and from America;

And whereas we understand that the offer of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company to the British and Canadian Governments is to construct and put into such service ships of the most modern type and in no way inferior to the best at present running to and from New York,

And whereas it is understood that the sea speed of the ships will not be less than twenty knots and that the time in transit be- tween Vancouver, BC and London will thereby be reduced, with a promised accelerated train service, to about nine days, as against the present service of about 14 days.

And whereas the establishment of a fast Atlantic service by the Canadian Pacific Railway Co. is likely to be followed by an im- proved Trans-Pacific service, shortening the time to about 10 days between Yokohama and Vancouver;

And whereas this Chamber endorsed by resolution of the 18th, April 1900, the renewal, of the Mail Contract between the British Govern- ment and the Canadian Pacific Railway Co. in connection with their "Empress Line of Steamers;

Be it resolved that this Chamber strongly endorses the necessity for a fast and reliable Atlantic service being inaugurated in connection with the present excellent service between China, and Japan and Canada, and being of opinion, judging by the regularity, despatch and reliability of the Canadian Pacific Railway Co's present Pacific service, that an equally satisfactory Atlantic sevice would be provided on the improved conditions stated above, hereby recommends that the Contract for such a Mail and Passenger service be accordingly entrusted to the Canadian Pacific Railway Co.and that a copy of this resolution be mailed to the Postmasters General at London, Eng., and Ottara, Canada.

Mr.W. Poate (Vice-Chairman) seconded and it was carried unanimously.

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