Sessional_Paper_1900 — Page 478

472

2. Subject to the military considerations of which you are separately advised, I am prepared to concur in the opinion expressed in paragraph 9 of your despatch under acknowledgment; assuming that the Trustees of the subscribers consider that they are bound by Resolution Three of the Jubilee Committee, and do not see their way to adopt Mr. ORMSBY's suggestion, which would have seemed preferable on other grounds, and begin the work at the Shaukiwan end.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your most obedient, humble Servant,

Governor,

Sir HENRY A. BLAKE, G.C.M.G.,

&C.,

&c.,

&c.

J. CHAMBERLAIN.

SIR,

(Chairman, Jubilee Committee, to Acting Colonial Secretary.)

HONGKONG, 25th May, 1900.

In reply to your letter No. 587 of the 6th April, enclosing a copy of a despatch from the Secretary of State for the Colonies on the subject of the proposed con- struction of a road from Kennedy Town to Aberdeen, I have the honour to inform you that at a meeting held on the 18th instant, the Jubilee Committee (Executive) carefully considered the conditions upon which the Military Authorities are pre- pared to withdraw their objections to the road, and that the Committee see no reason why these conditions should not be complied with.

2. There has already been too much delay in starting the road, and the Com- mittee strongly urge that the preparation of working plans, specification, &c. may now be put in hand at once, and that tenders may be called for and the work com- menced at as early a date as possible.

3. The Committee further express the hope that in the event of the Public Works Department being too short-handed to make an immediate start, the matter may be referred back to them with a view to the employment of a local firm of Engineers, it being distinctly understood that the plans must be approved by the Director of Public Works who would also exercise a general supervision.

4. It is presumed that, in any case, before tenders are called for, the plans will be submitted to the Jubilee Committee for any remarks they may may have to make.

I have the honour to be,

Sir,

Your obedient Servant,

C. P. CHATER, Chairman, Jubilee Committee.

Honourable

F. H. MAY, C.M.G.,

Acting Colonial Secretary,

&c.,

&c.,

&c.