Steam
The Committee suggest that Post Office communication by boats from Hongkong both to Canton and the northern Ports would add much to the security and activity of our Commerce. I have lately, at a consideration of the advantages likely to accrue to Hongkong Colony, as well as to the general trade, granted a piece of Land rent-free, subject to the approval of Her Majesty's Government, for buildings required by a company lately established for the above purpose, and who have ordered two suitable steam vessels from England.
I am happy to state, (and can easily prove), that the Committee, misled by some evidence which I shall notice further on, have formed a very inadequate notion of the state and prospects of Hongkong. The population, exclusive of Troops, has gradually increased from less than 5,000, on its first occupation, to 23,872, the amount for the past year 1847. This population, instead of consisting of mere vagabonds, comprises in its number Contractors for extensive works, executed (by the testimony of the Engineer officers), as well as they could be in England; and owners of numerous respectable shops where almost any of the productions of China can be obtained. Life and property are acknowledged to be as secure as could be wished.
The Revenue, without a single tax upon Commerce, (see enclosed Statement) has progressively increased since my arrival, from £9,534 to £31,078, in 1847, and the Civil Expenditure diminished from £66,000, to £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 Revenue.
It would be difficult to show the