CO129-319 - Governor Sir Blake - 1903 [10-11] — Page 12

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without hauling down her flag, unless she took out a colonial

register and engaged three European Officers.

Mr. Fox states in conclusion that he is

informed on good authority that should the Hongkong Government

be able to see their way to allowing this class of vessel to

carry a certificated Master only, the combined companies would

at once place at least one steamer on the river, and he, I think

with justice, opines that firms of the reputation of Messrs.

Jardine, Matheson & Co., and Messrs. Butterfield and Swire might

be relied upon to take all necessary measures to secure the

safety and efficiency of their ships.

I should be much obliged to Your Excellency

if you would be good enough to take this matter under consider-

ation with a view to seeing whether it would be possible to amend

the Colonial Regulations in such a manner as to permit of ves-

sels flying the British flag to share in the fest River trade in

some such manner as that indicated by Mr. Fox.

i have etc.,

(sd.) Walter Townley.

bis Excellency

Sir Henry Blake, G.C.M.G.,

Hongkong.