Inclosure to 2 in
No 11 41878.
Desp
(Copy)
80
Memo for the Hon. the Attorney General.
The Colonial Treasurer was not originally charged with the collection of any duties or Revenue whatever; but Mr Martin, when holding the office, having volunteered to relieve the Surveyor General of the task of collecting, the Rent of Lands leased, the collection of other items of Revenue was by degrees brought within his province, and at present the Treasurer may be called the principal Collector of Revenue. Strictly speaking, however, the only duties which he collects are those on goods sold by auction; unless under such head be brought sums payable on spirit and opium licences, the rights of stone cutting, saltweighing &c to &c.
(Signed),
WJ Mercer,
Colonial Treasury,
Victoria, Hongkong, 18th April, 1848.
Colonial Secretary.
The Colonial Treasurer was originally not tasked with collecting revenue; however, under Mr. Martin, it gradually became his responsibility. Relevant documents include the Registry Vict. cap. 89, Act 8 and 9, Commissioners of Customs, and the Report of the Lord. Spey's enclosed address of Sir John Davis, Despatch No. 19 of 8th September 1846, to Despatch No. 19 of 19th April, 1848.
Opinion of Attorney General, Sterling, is referenced.