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There was also the chance of getting rice from Bangkok, provided an export permit could be obtained. A telegram had been sent to Bangkok asking whether this was possible.

Failing a supply from North China or from Bangkok, he wished to proceed with the Saigon offer. By doing so we should secure enough supplies to last till the end of the year and we could always sell at the purchasing price if any other solution became possible. The Government would have to sell at a flat rate of say $15 per picul and would lose on the transaction. The price could be increased later, but the loss might have to be made good by special taxation.

The Colonial Secretary pointed out that it would be a great advantage to the employer to fix the price. It would be possible to make a definite allowance to employees to meet the increased cost of rice.

Mr. Stabb expressed the opinion that the Government would be wise to accept the Saigon offer and the other Unofficial Members agreed.

His Excellency said that he would telegraph accordingly.

Appendix II.

Total Rice Purchased to 30th September, 1919:

Long Rice

Round Rice

-

Broken Rice -

3,363 tons.

-

- 15,230 13,446

77

ور

32,039 ·,,

Appendix III.

HONGKONG.

No. 20 of 1919.

I assent to this Ordinance.

LS

CLAUD SEVERN,

Officer Administering the Government.

19th September, 1919.

An Ordinance for the acquisition and disposal of Rice by the Hongkong Government, and for validating acts previously done.

[19th September, 1919.]

BE it enacted by the Governor of Hongkong, with the advice and consent of the Legislative Council thereof, as follows:-

1. This Ordinance may be cited as the Rice Ordinance, Short title. 1919.

2. All acts heretofore done by the Officer Administer Validating ing the Government of Hongkong, or by any Officer of of acts pre- the Hongkong Government or by any person acting under viously done, the direction of the said Officer Administering the Govern- and indem- ment or of any Officer of the Hongkong Government in nity there. regard to the seizure and taking possession of or the pro-

for.