CO129-399 - Governor Sir May - 1913 [1-2] — Page 314

COPY.

TELEGRAM

Rece

C.O.

5701-

Rra 17 FEB 13)

312

from the Governor, Hongkong, to the Secretary of State, London,

dated 21st. January, 1913.

With reference to your telegram of 15th. January Farmers strongly object to reduce to three teels oing to loss of stock of empty tins, labels, Lc., mich would be useless sub- -division of stock of full tins, and popularity five tael trade mark. Tender was based on ten taels and reduction to five taels was accepted with difficulty. If three taels insisted on offer may be reconsidered. In my opinion reduction to five taels effective for the prevention of sungling; and as it is too late call for tenders for Farm serious loss of revenue may be incurred by infraction of conditions with no advantage in compensation. Advise adoption of five taels.