CO129-318 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [7-10] — Page 571

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390. Qux Exi

-tioned the business, which had been started by our clients and for which they had subscribed $10,000 for capital in addition to $18,500 money borrowed, proved a failure, and after being carried on for some time at a loss was shut up.

Our clients total losses as shewn by the

two accounts herewith amount to $24,552.87 including the sum of $649.75 payable by them to their Solicitors for costs.

It is submitted that our clients have a

reasonable and equitable claim on the Government for a large

portion at least of the above sum.

If however our clients could now be put

into undisputed possession of the concession which was intended

to be originally granted to them; they might, by working it, re- coup some part of their losses; and it has occurred to us to

enquire whether the Government would be willing to do this, if

it can now be legally effected.

#ith regard to the agreement for lease to

our clients of Lantao Marine Lot No. 1, dated 14th. October,

1899, it appears to us that this is validated by the operation

of Section 2 of Ordinance 21 of 1901.

Unfortunately it is impossible to work

Lantao Marine Lot No. 1 by itself, because the greater propor-

tion of the shells are collected in and near the narrow strait

between the 2 islands shewn on the pian sent herewith, and

named Cha Kung Moon.

If however the Government could give our

clients a good title to gather shells in the triangular strip

of water enclosed with a red line on the said plan, it would be

sufficient for our clients' purpose.

Would it be not possible for the Govern-

ment to grant to our clients a lease of the portion of water

mentioned

:

S