Sessional_Paper_1907 — Page 961

HONGKONG.

No. 1907

29

DESPATCH FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE COLONIES WITH REGARD

TO THE REPORT OF THE TYPHOON RELIEF FUND COMMITTEE.

Laid before the Legislative Council by Command of His Excellency the Officer Administering the Government.

HONGKONG.

No. 116.

DOWNING STREET.

6th June, 1907.

SIR,I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of Sir M. NATHAN'S despatch No. 93 of the 18th of April forwarding a copy of the report of the Committee appointed' to collect funds and to deal with cases of distress caused by the typhoon of the 18th of Septem- ber last.

2. The inhabitants of Hongkong are entitled to the greatest credit for the energetic measures which they took to repair the disaster and for the liberality with which they sub- scribed to the relief fund. I note with great pleasure Sir M. NATHAN's testimony to the admirable work performed by Sir PAUL CHATER, Messrs. HEWETT, HUNTER, BREWIN and FUNG WA CHUN, and the other members of the Relief Committees and I should be glad if you would express to these gentlemen my appreciation of their services.

3. I cordially approve the proposal that the money which the Government had pledged itself to contribute to the relief fund should be expended upon the prompt commencement of a new typhoon refuge at Mong Kok Tsui.

The Officer Administering the Government of

HONGKONG.

I have, &c.,

ELGIN.