CO129-608-5 Future policy- port administration 20-3-1948 - 19-10-1948 — Page 24

14/1/48.

PAUNO KINO.

325

NO

Colonial office,

The Churck kenna.

24

7

Great Smith Strect,

165 betober, 1940

GOVERNOR,

cir.

I have the konour to refer to your despaten No. 5) of the 20th Larch 1943 which reported the appointment of the Hong Kong Port Committee with effect from the 17th February 1j48 on the lines of the proposkis set out in Sir sark Young's despatch of the 11th Deember 1946, and which also con7ayed your replies to oertuin comments on those proposals made in my despatch No. 217 of the 27th June, 147.

2. I accept your view that the electim or the Chairman by the members of the Committee should continue.

3. I note that chinese interests appear to be satisfied with the present constitution of the Comittoo and agres therefore that the suggestion that there should be a second Chinese member nead not be presem! et present, but I note that yea

are prejared to re-e-em (ne matter should the Chinese Chinahe

Costeros taka the initiative in making; for reconsiderati ca.

4. I appreciate the practianl difficulties which you describe in securing suitable labour representation on the Casuittes. I therefore agree to your suggestion that the rort Comittee should be asked to consider the advisability of adding to their numbere by appointment of an officer of the Labour Lepartment to gold a matching brief for labour interests. I also agren with you that this should be regarded as a temporary measure to be in force only until the Trade Unions become sufficiently developed to børs direct representation.

5. I note that the proposele for amendment of the aagistrates urdauance which you have somnunicated to me in your despatch No. 153 of the 2nd July do not inelude th relief or the Director of Marine of his duties as a marins Magistrats. I æppreciste homever that it is administratively convenient that he and his assistants should have magisterial powers while the other sagistrater ers se haavily worked and I agree therefore that the present arrangements should continue for some time longsT.

I have the honour te be,

Sir,

Your most obedicat humble servant,

SIR ALEXANDER GRAFTHAM, K.0.4.C..

eta..

etc..

ste..