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The Blue Book contains the particulars of a Trade in Chinese Sugar which has entirely sprung up during the past year. The total Amount ascertained as shipped in foreign vessels has been lbs. 21,529,600, valued at £144,827. The greatest quantity of this has been shipped for New South Wales, and the rest for England and India, with a portion for the Northern Port of Shanghai.
The former prevalence of Piracy has been checked, (as appears best proved by the increase of native Trade) through the active exertions of Captain Loring of Her Majesty's Ship "Rattler"; by whom nearly 300 Pirates were captured in the last Year, and delivered over to the Chinese Government. Twelve outlaws of this description were convicted here before the Admiralty Court in January, and four of them executed, as already reported by me to Your Lordship.
I have before had occasion to state that the American whalers from the Pacific have begun to resort to this Harbour, attracted by its advantages for provisions and repairs, as a secure shelter, the Cheapness of supplies, and the total absence of all Port dues and Customs. The American Consul informs that for these reasons he expects the numbers will increase.
The benefits of the Police have been extended since the commencement of this year to the outstations of the Island. With a view to reducing the amount of crime, and rendering persons and property as safe generally as they are within the town of Victoria - police protection has been provided for at all the principal villages and stations through the Colony. To carry out this measure without loss to the Government, it was deemed just that the inhabitants should defray the expenses of the force required for their protection; and