CO129-415 - Governor Sir May - 1914 [12] — Page 33

1 Commerce hat that he share the

news tap! Laal

JR 13/1/15.

* L-13-1-15 AVC

13. 1. 1J-

Alone

In

14.1.18′′

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No

384.

sir,

E..

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5734

44

1674

2012 JAŃ, A

GOVERNMENT HOUSE.

30

HONGKONG. 2nd December, 1914.

With reference to my despatch No .285 of the 12th of

August, the proposals in which were approved by your telegram of the

5th of October, I have the honour to trasmit, in accordance with the

request contained therein, the enclosed copy of a letter from the

Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce protesting against the scheme

for the acquisition by this Government of the private moorings for

ocean-going steamers, together with copy of the reply which I have

caused to be addressed to the Chamber.

2.

It is the fact that the scheme, involving as it does :

interference with what have been regarded as vested interests, has

never been supported by the Chamber of Commerce as a Body. Their

strongest objection to it has from the first been that it would be

difficult to avoid confusion and loss of time in allotting moorings

by signal or otherwise. This objection is met in the present scheme

by the system of classification and the establishment of trade

anchorages.

3.

If economies become necessary in next year's estimates.

this is not an item the postponement of which I could recommend.

I have the honour to be,

THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

LEWIS HARCOURT, M.P.,

&c..

8LC..

&c.

Sir,

Your most obedient,

humble servant,

Honning

Governor,&c.