Mr. Ellis.
The alternative which the Governor suggests will probably be regarded as an accommodation one at a time when success is very much to be desired, the expenses of these works which fall on Her Majesty in this revision of the ground rents, &c.
Expenditure of Warry Hong may require some justification to propose a more suitable mode of meeting the deficiency.
Sir d. Jardine has been able to do so.
AB. 22/4/48.
I do not understand the Governor to suggest a reduction: nor can I see that the Memorialists establish any good reason for such a course.
It can be done either by Customs Duties or by direct Taxation: the former would run the risk for which it is intended, and therefore the latter is indispensable. But of the two kinds of direct taxation the most automatic would seem to be the Auctioneers' Fees, which the Parties have fixed for themselves by bidding them in open Market.
The real truth is that there is evidently a lurking desire to throw the expenses of the Race on Parliament, but I cannot see why the People of this country should be taxed to find accommodation for the Merchants who carry on their wealthy Trade at Hong Kong, any more than for those who conduct their Business on the Banks of London or on the shores of the Mersey.
In all situations equally free to be despatched, from within a very narrow space; and of course the People who make fortunes by conducting it in a vast trade must pay prices for the land which is indispensable to facilitate their clique.
With regard to the duration of leases there might perhaps be no objection to extending their terms to 999 years. The first step would be to refer this matter to Messrs. Caine & others at whose hands all the past Transactions were attended.
Borham's (I think) Instructions relate to Women's subject. The last as rendered by S. Davis proves clearly their real sting.
The Party ought to certain public works (limited within) be appropriated.
I am of opinion that Hong Kong is really a Military Naval Station rather than a commercial Port, and it is one of the most important handles for trade capable of great extension.
Signed Ellen, Commissioner.
W. Pedder's budget must be referred to before this be amended, if anything is wanting.
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