To the Editor of the Nortu-Cuuwa Day News."
St,—With reference to the above Company I would refer you to the following statements made by Mr. T. C. Chao, Director-General, your reporter on the dates noted:
(a) "Mr. Chao definitely stated that the present control board would assume all the Nbilities of the old Company.
"Mr. Chao was emphatic in pointing out that there was no distinction in nationality in the case of employees. Tt was absolutely—untrue that the Company were desirous of getting rid of foreign employees. The Company only looked to ability and diligence and would not discharge foreigners who carried out their work satisfactorily.'
"Mr. Chao concluded by saying he would be—most happy to give any further: information which might be required from time to time."
(vide "North China Daily News" 19-128) a1
"The condition of the Company is more prosperous now than at any time during the last ten years." "On consumption of coal the Company, now saves $50,000
Regarding the tion; before there at all; at present we use systematic: methods. (vide "North China Daily News" 6.9.28)
Accepting the expression voiced by Mr. Chao in (e) 1 would solicit that gentleman's replies through your columns to the—following specific questi Reference (a) Mr. Chao hus definitely stated that "the present control Board would assume all the liabilities of the old Company..." Will Mr. Chao give an equally definite assurance that the pensions, Home leave allowances, and passages, (which were -an accepted liability of the old Directorate) will be paid to such of the present Foreign employees in the Company's service who have qualified or will eventually qualify for the same?
Reference (b) The services of the lust of the Company's Foreign second mates and third eng-inoers were dispensed with about two weeks ainu. the vacant positions thus created having been filled by Chinese.
As Mr. Chao cannot, by. the most specious, arguments, advance the cotitention—tht all of those Foreign ranks~so discharged, in addition' to the Foreign masters, mates, and engineers whose services have been dispensed with by Mr. Chao's. Administration _between April.19 last and date, lacked, ebility". and "diligence" ard 1:3 tst "carried out their work satiefac-
Further reproduction prohi torily." does ko still ask the Foreign press and public to accept unreservedly his statement that, "it was absolutely untrue tht the Company. were desirous of getting ris of their Foreign employees Further, will Mr. Chao deny that instructions have been issued by his Administration that no Foreign ranks are to be accepted in future for ser-view with the Company and is it mot a fact that no Foreign ranks have been so engaged?
Reference (d). As the condition of the Company is now prosperous, will Mr. Chao be 80 good as to advise why long outstanding passage allowances and Home leave payments due to Foreign ranks in the Company's service are still and also why no at-jis made by Mr, Chao's Administration to adjust the matter of unpaid rears and ineapaci low ances due to senior ranks from the Comjny's Reference (¢) Mr. Chao's statement is illuminating to anybody' versed in coal consumption and who cares to make a small calculation with the factors of 12 ships, $9 per ton (cost ex ship) "and $50, 000 per month! What Mr. Chao undoubtedly intended convey is that, "on the cost of coal the Company now saves $50,000" ud not on the actual consumption per ship, Which is a totally different matter; for whereas the coal contractor has a "finger the ple" when the question ix the actual weight of coal supplied in its relation to the cost debited the Company, no credit can be permitted ' to the coal contractor when the question is actual coal consumption!
Reference (f) Will Mr. Chao please explain why, under the ganization of the riy" efficiency courtesy in the plying to commu dressed were always demonstrated and extended, whilst with the "present systematic methods" of Mr.
"method! so carefully regarded that letters address sed to the Company are not only unacknowledged—but studiously ignored?
With regard to the s. Luen Yi which is under British registry and flag and which is at present being operated by the China Merchants Steam Navigation—Company, this vessel, when managed by Messrs. Butterfield & Swire, carried, in addition to the master, two duly certificated mates and three duly certificated engineers. Under Mr. Chao's Administration she is now permitted Yo sail with but one Foreign certificated mate and one Foreign certificated engineer, in addition to the mas. ter. If that vessel was formerly considered properly manned with six duly certificated ranks, what is her Official stsitus now with but three? It is known to the writer that Messrs. Butterfield Swire ax Secretaries of the Luen S. Company. Ltd., raised objections when a request for a reduced certificated personnel for the ves-se] was submitted by the China Merchants Company but presumably such objections have since been overruled or withdrawn? Here, however, is instance of a vessel of British registry and flag, under joint management with predominating British interests, and set duly cer-floated British officers are permitted to be dispensed with in favour of unqualified Chinese.
Bir, Chao may contend that the Chinese ranks "have passed this or. that examination"—maybe they have and maybe they haven't—but one thing is certain, that they have neither performed the apprenticeship or sea training, that qualifies them as practical seamen judged by European or American 1d neither fare their or "cerficates", of any value as indica} ing competency, for one reason, apart from others, that the Nahibited without permission. tionalist Government has no!
Shipping Laws or Acts except, such as are promulgated from time to time for the convenience of meeting an expediency suck id}as has now arisen in the China Merchants Steam Navigation Company, when full fledged "oficers" are desired en masse.
Finally, with certain, informa-' tion at iny disposal I would ase sure Mr. Chao that, with regard to the interests of the Company's Foreign employees, his "Adminis~ tration's policy of evasion ang subterfuge is in no way hoodwinking those who are on fait with the circumstances, 1
Lam, ete, "Kew.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.