CO129-521-5 Complaint by Davie- Boag and Co. against refusal to grant permission to erect traffic signals... 15-1-1929 - 19-2-1930 — Page 39

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suggested by us, and certainly, under these conditions, support such as this is not in keeping with any intention to assist in the development of local industry.

It is granted tæt this Agency is, in a way, a comparatively small one and is not such as would necessitate the engagement of a large number of hands in the making up of the signs, but, if we are not presuming to any undue extent, might we bring before your notice the fact that, since the se Signs are manufactured in Manchester and in view of the considerably large number of unemployed which has been prevalent in the United Kingdom for some little time, any extra business which can be given at Home must, in the aggregate, very favourably affect the unemployment figures. In our particular instance, it may mean that the potential business which is offering from tais part of the world is such as might entail an additional six or ten hands, which, of course, is always of some assistance and is in keeping with the general outcry for the development of business in the Colonies and the assist- ing of manufacturers business in the United Kingdon. We sometimes feel that the full significance of procrastination in matters of this kind is not appreciated by those in administrative positions in Hongkong, and while this is probably a very big statement to make, we feel that, basing on our own short experience here, the remarks are perfectly justified.

We would further emphasize the point that the prospects of business in Hongkong alone are not of immedia te concern to us so far as creating a doluminous turnover is concerned, but it must be kept well in the forefront that Hong Kong is an advantage to merchants in the sence that it serves as an advertising medium, which remarks, however, are probably more applicable in the "RAY" Sign business than in any other particular line of business. By that we mean, if the Govemment could see their way clear to give us a reasonable amount of support in the way of granting pemission to erect signs in Hongkong against tentative orders, it would serve as a medium of advertising against potential business offering in Canton and other South China markets. We might further state that in the Straits Settlements a very good business has been worked up, and we have good reason to suppose that a similar pleasant state of affairs will exist in the territory which is covered by our selling Agreement, but all prospects are very seriously impeded if we have to sit back for an indefinite time and await any support from the local Authorities.

We have had occasion to write you recently on more or less similar lines in regard to Colfix material, and we can only say that the experience which we have had in both these instances now is such as offers very little inducement to us to keep well in front of us the advancement of British industry, if all the trouble which we as merchants are preapred to take is immediately negatived through lack of assistance and consideration by the Authorities in charge at this end.

We trust, therefore, that you will be agreeable to investigate this position at as early a date as possible, and that we shall have the honour to be favoured with an early reply.

We have the honour to be,

gir.

Your obedient servants,

For, DAVIE, BOAG & CO., LTD.,