Sessional_Paper_1889 — Page 276

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Colonial Secretary, to the Secretary, Hongkong General Chamber

No. 2259.

of Commerce.

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,

HONGKONG, 24th August, 1889.

SIR,

With reference to your letter of the 9th instant, on the subject of weather telegrams, I am directed by the Governor to acquaint you, for the information of the Chamber of Commerce, that he has given strict instructions for the immediate transmission to the Chamber of Commerce of all such telegrams received, whether from the Observatory or elsewhere.

His Excellency fully concurs with the Chamber of Commerce in their view as to the extreme importance of obtaining and publishing the best and earliest information with respect to typhoons; and he is by

means satisfied either with the nature of the information now given or with the promptness of its supply to the public.

His Excellency is now making enquiries with a view to substantial improve- ments in these respects, which he is determined, if possible, to effect, and though this might possibly involve a somewhat large expenditure, he does not doubt that the importance of the object to be gained will furnish its complete justification.

His Excellency hopes to be shortly in a position to make a further communi- cation to you on this subject.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

FREDERICK STEWART, Colonial Secretary,

F. HENDERSON, Esq.,

Secretary, Hongkong General Chamber of Commerce.