CO129-555-1 Hong Kong Tramways Ltd.- petition 10-7-1935 - 4-10-1935 — Page 24

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matters of transport in this Colony.

There is no evidence submitted by the Hong

Kong Tramways that the shareholders of this public utility

company are in danger of being deprived of a reasonable

return on their capital.

14.

While I do not regard the transport problems

of this Colony as sufficiently complicated to require

the advice of the Ministry of Transport or a visit of one

of its officers I have under consideration the formation

of a small Commission or Board to deal with the position

which will arise on the expiration of the first three years of the China Motor Bus Company's franchise when the

fares to be charged by the Bus Company will be fixed and prescribed by the Governor in Council (vide paragraph 9

above), and generally with any similar problems which may

arise in the future. The role of this Commission or

Board would be analogous to that of the Traffic Commissioners

appointed under the Road Traffic Act, 1930. Any applications

in connection with the Road Passenger Transport Licence

(Appendix H) would be considered by them in the first

instance and interested parties would be enabled to make

their representations thereon. The recommendations of the Commissioners would be subject to the approval of the

Governor in Council.

15.

Messrs. Deacons' letter of 18th April, 1935,

(letter No.6) referred to in paragraph No.102 of the

Enclosure 5. petition was replied to on 20th June, 1935. A copy of the

reply is enclosed.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble servant,

W.D. Southern

Officer Administering the Government.