But. as stated in the opening paragraph of this communication, the whole question is not nes solution. Over a month has elapsed since the dissolution of the monopoly, but it would seem that nothing definite has been decided upon, fas to what should replace it. The Administration, according to Mr.
C. Kuo, the Director of General Affairs, favours one of the following two methods:—control by the Administration or an arrangement Of two stevedoring companies bein in charge of the loading and unloading of ships. According to Mr. Kuo—and he gives the impression of knowing his business—it would be unsatisfactory to let the _field open to all comers due to the lack of sufficient equipment. He thinks that an arrangement wherer stevedoring companies are allowed to handle harbour facilities, there would be a sufficient check on possible ineficieney arising out of a monopolistic system. Failing such an arrangement, Mr. Kuo thought the Administration should be given 'a chance to prove its worthiness.
To the Zoregoing two propositions, the foreign merchants are in_op-Position almost unanimously. They claim that control by the Administration would be tantamount to monopoly whereas an arrangement whereby two stevedoring companies are given the privilege of loading and unloading ships in port would not be much better than a monopoly. Anything savouring of a monopoly Sure to meet with the solid opposi of the business community. Once beaten, twice shy" would seem to be the stand maintained at the present time.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.