D.
help in competition with the water route,
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(c) Cheaper fares should be charged, The present rate between Canton and Hong Kong Gamot be considered as high, but the late increase from two dollars to two dollars sixty cents for the second class is of doubtful benefit to the rail-
The fares charged for all classes should be lower than those charged by steamers so as to entice passengers to the railway. A reduction off the present rates of twenty cents for the second class and ten cents for the third class would
be of great advantage and lead to considerable increase of
revenue.
(d) The question of baggage facilities is another matter which requires to be tackled as this has presently a great effect on the growth of passenger traffic. The line in Hong Kong terminates in Kowloon and passengers for Hong Kong itself have to find their way across the harbour. Passengers with heavy baggage invariably choose the water route so as to avoid this transference across the harbour. The following is a suggestion whihh, if carried out properly, whil remedy this disadvantageous position.
The wharf coolies both in Hong Kong and Canton have in late years become most unreasonable. Baggage is carried up the wharf at exhorbitant charges, especially should it belong to ladies or elderly persons. It is suggested that the rail- way should provide a launch for the conveyance of passengers baggage between Kowloon and Hong Kong to a wharf constructed at a convenient point along the Hong Kong water front, where the baggage could be received from, or delivered to, its
owners. It might also be advisable to consider the question of the delivery of baggage, by truck, at the owners' homes on payment of a reasonable fee for the service.
7.
(0) The....
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