CO129-454 - Acting Governor Claud Severn - 1919 [4-6] — Page 59

1

56

4.

I do not consider that it would be right

or proper for the Government to compensate the petitioners out of public funds. They had ample notice that the Govern- -ment intended to deal with the matter, and their claims were very fully considered by a sympathetic unofficial committee. The period of tender is limited to three years in order that the Government may have an opportunity of gaining experience before any larger scheme or even perhaps a Government ferry service is embarked upon. If the principle of granting com- -pensation in such a case as this were admitted, it would be difficult to refuse it in any case where, in the public interest, it became desirable to supersede private enterprise possessing no sort of guarantee by an organisation under

Government control.

I have the honour to be,

My Lord,

Your Lordship's most obedient,

humble servant,

Adustevem

Officer Administering the Government.