2
Chinese.•
The. Commnittie suggest that a Post- -Officer Communication
by
regular
Steam boats
from Houghong both to Canton and the Northern
Ports would add much to the security and
activity of
consideration
to song trong
trade,
our Commeren, I have lately in
of the advantages likely
as a
t
a cerne
Colony as well as to the general -
1
granted a piece of land rent-fice (subject to the approval of Her Majecto's Government) for buildings required by a Company lately established for the above purpose,
and who have ordered - two suitable Steam
veeds from England..
by
on
I am happy to state, (and can easily prave), that the committee, misted- evidence, which I shall notice. further have formed a very inadequate notion of the etate and
prospects of Hougtong. The population, exclusive of Troops, has gradually increased from less than 5,000. on its first occupation,
No 2.
97
to 23.872. the amount for the past year 18467 . This population, instead of consisting
of mere ragabonds, comprices in its number contractors for extensive work: excented (by the testimony of the Engineer Officers ) as well as they could be in England, and of
ouriers
of respectable shops, where almat. any of the productions of China can be obtained_ Life and property
are hou
acturwledged to
be as secure as could be wished...
The Revenue, without a single tax
upon Commerce, ('sec enclosed statement) has progressively increased sinc
£
my arriml
to
from £9,534 to 31078, in 1847, and the Civil expenditure diminiched from 66.000 £50,959. in the same
year. Of this $15,169- has been for public works incidental to a new Colony, which being deducted from the total charge for the year, leaves £35.790 for the fixed expenditure, being only £4.712 beyond
the thou