Sessional_Paper_1908 — Page 628

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Indr

COLONIAL SECRETARY'S OFFICE,

HONGKONG, 14th April, 1908.

SIR, I am directed to invite your attention to my letter No. 9266/1907 of the 11th ultimo regarding the New Typhoon Refuge for small craft which it is proposed to construct at Mongkoktsui, and to inquire whether your Chamber concurs in the proposals made by His Excellency the Governor.

I have, &c.,

The Secretary, Hongkong GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.

F. H. MAY,

Colonial Secretary,

HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, HONGKONG, 15th April, 1908.

S-I have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of date regarding the New Harbour of Refuge at Mongkoktsui.

My Committee are giving this matter their earuest consideration and hope to be soon in the position to forward a reply to the proposals made by His Excellency the Governor.

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

Colonial Secretary.

I have, &c.,

E. A. M. WILLIAMS,

Secretary.

HONGKONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, HONGKONG, 1st May, 1908.

SIR,—I am directed to forward you a copy of a joint letter from Agents, and Represent- atives of British Lines and owners of vessels visiting this port, addressed to this Chamber and having reference to the proposals of His Excellency the Governor regarding the Ty- phoon Refuge to be constructed at Mongkoktsui.

I am to state that my Committee endorse the opinion of the Signatories that the proposal of His Excellency to increase the Light Dues on Occan going vessels by 13 cents per ton and on River Steamers by cent per ton should be, in equity, modified and the number of years over which it may become necessary to spread this taxation thereby increased.

My Committee consider that the cent per ton increase on Ocean going vessels suggested by the Agents and Representatives a more equitable arrangement than that proposed by His Excellency. By this means the burden is lightened to Shipowners, and it may reasonably be assumed that the payment for the Refuge, which will be equally in the interests of those to come, is thereby rendered more general.

It would also appear that the proposed increase of cent per ton for River Steamers is likely to prove a heavy tax in view of the numerous entries of these boats.

My Committee concur in the views expressed by the Signatories to the enclosed letter as to the apparently excessive cost of the proposed Refuge, and I am to state that my Committee would greatly appreciate an opportunity of viewing the plans and estimates for the scheme. They would then be in a better position to give an intelligent opinion on the subject.