CO129-487 - Others & Individuals - 1924 — Page 456

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have seriously involved Hongkong but for the ability and tact displayed by Sir Edward in dealing with them; and we view with great concern the possible advent of a new man as Governor who, however able, must necessarily lack the actual experience of the conditions of affairs prevailing here during the last

two or three eventful years,

ہیں

As you are aware, piracies in the neighbouring provinces of China, frequently accompanied by kidnapping for the purpose

of ransom, have for some years past formed a most serious obstacle to local trade; but fortunately the Governor of Hong- kong has recently been able to enter into friendly measures of

with the co-operation with the Chinese Authorities at Canton,

result that the scourge has greatly diminished of late through the Chinese Authorities executing several hundreds of pirates

and burning their strongholds.

6. In the Colory itself there are many important matters

One of that could be best dealt with by Sir Edward Stubbs,

the most important of them is the question of the transfer of the Military establishments from central positions in the city

of Victoria and Kowloon in which they block and arrest business

expansion. This move is one which has been urged for any years past, and is at last proceeding smoothly under the régime of the present Governor; and accordingly any change in the headship of the Government will, in our opinion, be most pre- judicial to the successful and speedy carrying-out of this

long delayed and necessary scheme of improvement.

7.

Turing the last two years Sir ddward has laid down a vast programme of public works of u precedented magnitude, involving

Of these we the expenditure of tens of millions of dollars. may mention the Shing Mun Waterworks Scheme, estimated to coet $17,000,000, and a large harbour-development acheme which will run into an expenditure of several million pounds Sterling.