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We would, therefore, beg your Excellency to supply us with copies of these Estimates, when the subject will again receive our most careful and earnest attention.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

His Excellency

Sir WILLIAM ROBINSON, K.C.M.G.,

No. 1410.

&lay

&C.,

&c.

C. P. CHATER.

(Governor to Senior Unofficial Member, Legislative Council.)

GOVERNMENT HOUSE,

HONGKONG, 19th November, 1896.

SIR,

In reply to your letter of the 17th instant, I have the honour to forward herewith copies of the Draft Estimates for 1897.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient Servant,

WILLIAM ROBINSON,

Honourable C. P. CHATER,

Governor.

SIR,

(Senior Unofficial Member, Legislative Council, to Governor.)

HONGKONG, 27th November, 1896.

With reference to your Excellency's despatches, Nos. 138G and 141a, of the 12th and 19th instant respectively, I have the honour to inform you that the draft Estimates for 1897 were duly forwarded to the Unofficial Members of the Legis- lative Council for their perusal. The question of the abolition of the Gap Rock Lighthouse Rate was again discussed by them at a meeting held on the 25th instant, all being present, with the exception of Mr. BELL-IRVING, who had left the Colony. We are unanimous in considering that it is expedient for your Excellency to redeem the pledge given by your predecessor to the effect that this special rate should cease as soon as the cost of the Lighthouse had been defrayed.

As regards the covering of the deficit in the revenue resultant on its abolition, Messrs. Ho KAI, BELILIOS, WEI YUK and myself are of opinion that a fixed charge of 24 cents per ton should in future be imposed as light dues on all shipping entering the harbour, and in this we are joined by Mr. BELL-IRVING, who addressed a letter to me on the subject immediately before his departure. Mr. WHITEHEAD does not concur in this proposal, and is addressing your Excellency directly on the subject.

I have the honour to be,

Sir.

Your most obedient Servant,

His Excellency

Sir WILLIAM ROBINSON, K.C.M.G.,

$c.,

fc.,

&c.

C. P. CHATER.