without remuneration.
1
450
Mr. F. Cary, Secretary to the Committee, manages the accounts, which involved very considerable work. He performed his duties in a most satisfactory manner, with great tact and discretion.
Commander C.W. Beckwith, R.N., Harbour Master, was in charge of the purchase, carrying, and distribution of coal, which was required in large quantities for Naval and Military purposes, for the Colonial Government's account, for the Chinese Section of the Kowloon-Canton Railway, and for certain local industries. His arrangements were thoroughly efficient, and they resulted in a very great economy, coal being landed in the Colony at a price much below the market rate.
15.
But thanks of the Government are above all
due to the owners of the ships, upon whose loyal and patriotic co-operation it has been able to rely from the beginning to the end. It must be remembered that the owners found themselves deprived of a very large part of their earnings, at a time of maximum freights when their competitors were making enormous profits; and there has been not one complaint. The Shipowners Protection Association, whose title explains its object, has maintained most cordial relations with the Government throughout, and has given very great assistance
man,
+
The Association's Chair- Mr. S.T. Williamson, put his experience and advice wholly at the Government's service, and he did much to solve difficulties and to smooth away misunderstandings. It may be recorded that,in spite of the many points of law which arose and the inevitable differences of opinion, every question in dispute was invariably settled in a spirit of friendly compromise.
16.
In conclusion I may express my great personal obligation to Their Excellencies Sir Henry May and Mr. Claud Severn for the assistance and support.
(Sd) M. Fletcher.
Chairman, Shipping Control Committee.
4th. April, 1919.
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