CO129-316 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [1-4] — Page 512

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In the humble

important provisions requires much experience, discretion, and consideration.

opinion of Your Petitioners, this Ordinance, if enforced by a Governor who commands the confidence of the vast majority of the public, will prove a success from the first; otherwise, it will

probably be attended with much difficulty and friction.

13. That provision for a largely increased supply of water to the Colony by further arrangements for its conservation and distribution, together with provision for the housing and spread of the Chinese working classes, is considered by Your Petitioners to be absolutely necessary for their welfare and the sanitary improvement of the whole Colony, and that Your Petitioners have good reason to believe that His Excellency The Governor is now devising schemes to meet immediate and future requirements in these respecte.

14.

That owing to the unsatisfactory condition of the local monetary currency, and the disturbed and unsettled state of Southern China, a crisis may at any moment occur in this Colony and its neighbouring provinces, which will require at this great emporium of trade a strong Government and a Governor possessed of an intimate knowledge of affairs and the complete confidence of the entire Chinese Community.

Your Petitioners therefore humbly pray

That His Most Gracious Majesty the King be advised to extend

the term of office of His Excellency the Governor Sir Henry

A. Blake, which will shortly expire, to another six years;

That His Excellency may be permitted for yet another term to

continue to rule and guide His Majesty's loyal Chinese

subjects in this Colony at a time fraught with danger and

trouble to them and their fellow-country-men;

And that the

vast Chinese population of Hongkong and its Dependencies may have their lives and property, their welfare and happiness,

protected and conserved by the one Governor in whom they have

the utmost confidence and faith, and whose high personal qualities and great administrative abilities they so much

admire and respect.

And Your Petitioners shall as in duty bound ever pray.

Dated Hongkong, 30th March 1903.

Chinese Representatives

the Lezistive Concel

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